All Collections
Previous Next
Back to Collection

Cane Handle

ISL 949 | Turkey, Istanbul | circa 1800

Print Download

Artwork Details

Title: Cane Handle

Date: circa 1800

Location: Turkey, Istanbul

Materials: gold and silver, translucent champlevé enamel, diamonds, rubies and an emerald

Dimensions: height 7.9 cm

Accession Number: ISL 949

Other Notes:

The hybrid style of this cane handle, which combines elements of European (the applied gem-set garland) and Eastern (the champlevé enamel) decoration, suggests that it was made in a location that was at the crossroads of such influences, namely Istanbul. European goldsmiths and watchmakers had been established in Galata, the European quarter of Istanbul, since the mid 17th century. Active in both manufacture and restoration, these craftsmen inevitably modified their work to accommodate local demand.

A Qur’an binding, bearing the tuğra of Mahmud I (r. 1730-54), in the Topkapi Treasury, most probably made in a European workshop in Istanbul, demonstrates this adaptability. Within the traditional format of Islamic leather bindings, European decorative motifs, including rather old-fashioned strap-work, are incorporated. The corners and spine are decorated in champlevé enamel with stylised flowers and leaves – similar to those scrolling around this cane handle. This decoration, although alluding to Mughal enamelwork, is a European evocation and as such further demonstrates the fusion of styles that occurred in the Istanbul workshops during the 18th century.

Bibliography:

Haydn Williams, Enamels of the World: 1700-2000 The Khalili Collections, London 2009, cat. 48, p. 98.

Related Artworks

Timepiece

FAB 96
Russia, St. Petersburg

Cabinet

JAP 387
Japan, Tokyo

Covered Cup

FR 444
France, Sèvres, the vessel, possibly Burgundy

Timepiece

FAB 111
Russia, St Petersburg

Charger

AUS 326
Austria, Vienna

Cornucopia

AUS 940
Austria, Vienna

Bread and Salt Dish

RUS 22
Russia, Moscow

Two-handled Kovsh

RUS 15
Russia, Moscow

THE WORLD’S LARGEST KNOWN LIMOGES ENAMELLED PLAQUE depicting crucifixion of Christ

FR 990(X)
Limoges, France

Throne Table

CH 648
China, Guangzhou (Canton)

Cup and Cover

FR 587
France, Paris

Presentation Charger

RUS 113
Russia, Moscow

Charger

AUS 325
Austria, Vienna

Wall Plaque

CH 487
China, probably Beijing

Wall Panel

CH 492
China, Guangzhou (Canton)

Snuff Bottle

CH 835
China, probably Beijing

Pair of Altar Candlesticks

CH 920
China, probably Guangzhou (Canton)

Pendant

CON 294
possibly Austria/Hungary

Pendant

CON 764
possibly Italy

Pair-cased Watch and associated Chatelaine

ENG 478
England, London

Zoom

Close

Khalili Collections Logo

Share this page