Rare cabinet ottoman

Turkey, Istanbul, 18th century The front opens to two leaves and two drawers, in mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell inlaid wood, topped by an arched pediment adorned with bouquets, bows and garlands. The two flaps are decorated with a lush floral design, radiating and undulating from a central floret. The frames feature herringbone motifs. Condition: some missing inlays. Lateral sides replaced. Size: 120 × 42 ×31.5 cm. Arseven tells us that in the Sultans' Palace there was a special workshop where one could learn "Sedefkiari" or the art of inlaying mother-of-pearl, and that almost all the great architects began with this technique, both the great master Sinan and his pupils, who themselves became famous. Provenance : Public sale Ader Picard Tajan, Paris, Art Islamique Livres, October 29, 30, and 31, 1985, n°167. An Ottoman mother of pearl and tortoiseshell cabinet,Turkey, Constantinople,18th century