Publication Date
Last quarter of the 10th century / second half of the 16th century
Publication Place
-
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
Subject
Gold, silver, other metals, ceramics, glass. It is decorated with turquoise (firozkari) and openwork.
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
الارتفاع: 32 سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
91
Record ID
object;ISL;tr;Mus01;29;ar
Library Location
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
Date
Last quarter of the 10th century / second half of the 16th century
Notes
A pear-shaped bottle with a short, rounded base. Its long, thin neck is shaped like a cypress tree, and is connected to the body by a spherical mass decorated with floral decoration. Polished turquoise pieces were lowered onto the body, and this technique is called firozkari. By etching the metal background, an openwork pattern was formed in which bouquets of lavender, roses, carnations, and cypress trees alternated. Cypress trees are also visible on the basin, and on the base are palm-shaped leaves, made using the same firozkari technique. The entire outer surface is studded with rubies and emeralds placed in recesses prepared for them. The technique of inlaying with turquoise and gold was used to decorate the covers of the Qur’an, particularly during the last quarter of the 10th century / second half of the 16th century. Turquoise is a greenish-blue gemstone, and in Turkish popular culture, to this day, it is considered a talisman to ward off the evil eye (envy); It is believed to prevent misfortunes and unpleasant incidents. These types of orange blossom water bottles, which were elaborately made and encrusted with precious stones, were often used by court officials in the Ottoman era. They were made of gold, silver, porcelain, and glass, and were characterized by long necks, narrow mouths, and large bodies. It was also used to pour orange blossom water or sprinkle it on the hands of guests, as well as in religious meetings and celebrations, such as Mawlid (celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday). These flasks were usually carried on a tray and used alongside the incense burner during these rituals.
Sample Text
Alev Özay “Flower Water Bottle” in Discover Islamic Art. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;tr;Mus01;29;ar
