A GOLD AND SILVER-OVERLAID TOPHANE WARE VASE WITH OTTOMAN SULTAN’S TUGHRA
Istanbul, Ottoman Turkey, dated 1297 AH (1880 AD), signed Hamdi

Of pyriform shape, resting on a short circular foot, rising to a tall flared neck, produced in the Tophane district of Istanbul, crafted from earthenware and entirely overlaid with red lacquer and resinous coating, the body enriched with alternating rows of black and gold almond-shaped designs, reminiscent of peacock's feathers or budding tulips, encircling a central sunburst medallion on each side, enclosing a tughra (calligraphic seal) of an Ottoman sultan, most probably Abdul Hamid II (r. 1876 - 1909), the foot and shoulders each bordered with narrow gilt bands, the base stamped with a floral rosette and impressed with the maker’s signature ‘Hamdi’.

16cm high

This piece is a striking example of Tophane ware, a distinctive Ottoman ceramic production closely linked to the urban workshops of Istanbul during the late 19th century, particularly in the area around the Tophane Fountain. Vases such as this were typically created as presentation items or for the growing export market of European collectors and diplomats drawn to Islamic art. The inclusion of the tughra and the date 1297 AH (1880 AD) reinforces its function as both a decorative and commemorative object, while the signature of the artist Hamdi suggests the presence of identifiable workshop production.