Ottoman Empire, European part of Turkey, probably Istanbul court workshop, cca late 19th century. Large and impressive carved wooden turban stand, known as "kavukluk".

Turban stands have been integral part of homes especially for court elites. They are usually of wooden body, decorated with polychrome enamels or inlaid with mother-of-pearl, the most luxurious ones inlaid with ivory, tortoise shell and abalone or mother-of-pearl. Our example belongs to more luxurious and less ordinary pieces, since it had been once very richly and delicately inlaid with African ebony (contrasting with white-painted parts) and with high-quality mother-of-pearl, at that time probably coming from Ottoman provinces further east, from today´s Israel and Palestine.

The face of the object is almost untouched, with only very mild signs of patina, reverse side with veneer, which shows its age, also kindly notice small damage on one of the tips of Ottoman crescent and slightly damaged iron hook nail. Those traces of age are hidden from viewing when the kavukluk is hanged and it is indeed extremely fine and sophisticated object, which had to be created for significant patron. The face of kavukluk is further inlaid with soft woods, probably olive, citrus, rosewood etc., its overall decoration featuring symbols of happiness (stars and triangles). Noteworthy is also stylized "tughra", Ottoman sultan seal in Arabic letters, fully executed in mother-of-pearl medium in upper part of the stand.

Imposing example of Ottoman art and fascinating furnishing piece.

MEASURES: height cca 100 cm (cca 3 ft 4 in), width cca 36 cm (cca 15 in).

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