Ottoman Empire Era Turkish Silver TULY Spoon with Chased Floral Handle
Flatware - Serving Spoon or Traditional Coffee/Sherbet Spoon · Unknown Ottoman silversmith; likely produced in a provincial workshop in Turkey or the Balkans. These items were often bespoke or small-batch artisanal productions rather than large brand manufacturers.
Pattern: Traditional Ottoman Floral and Foliate pattern; specifically featuring stylized tulips or roses which are iconic to Islamic and Turkish metalwork design.
Type
Flatware - Serving Spoon or Traditional Coffee/Sherbet Spoon
Maker
Unknown Ottoman silversmith; likely produced in a provincial workshop in Turkey or the Balkans. These items were often bespoke or small-batch artisanal productions rather than large brand manufacturers.
Material
Likely Sah (Ottoman Silver) or .800-.900 purity silver. Many such pieces from this region are high-quality silver but vary slightly from the Western .925 sterling standard. Solid construction without base metal.
Dimensions
Estimated length of 18-22 cm; weight approximately 60-90 grams. The deep bowl and narrow neck are characteristic of traditional Ottoman serving implements.
Description
An exquisite example of Ottoman silversmithing, this spoon features a teardrop-shaped bowl accented with delicate zigzag and leaf-border engravings. The handle is a masterclass in texture, covered in high-relief floral motifs that terminate in a pointed, ringed finial, creating a piece that is as much a work of art as a functional utensil.
Key Features
Tapered handle with 360-degree floral chasing; distinctive bulbous finial with hanging loop; hand-engraved bowl interior border; high silver content typical of Eastern Mediterranean silver.
Material & Composition
Likely Sah (Ottoman Silver) or .800-.900 purity silver. Many such pieces from this region are high-quality silver but vary slightly from the Western .925 sterling standard. Solid construction without base metal.
Finish & Decoration
The item features a hammered bowl with bright-cut engraving or 'kalem işi' (pen-work) border. The handle is deeply chased/repoussé with floral relief work and topped with a bulbous, textured finial and a hanging ring.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not clearly visible in photo, but typically found on the bowl interior or the neck. Look for the 'Tughra' (official state seal) and the 'Sah' mark used during the Ottoman period to certify purity.
Construction Details
Hand-raised bowl joined to a cast and hand-chased handle. The joint between the bowl and handle is a traditional solder point reinforced by the tapered neck design. Evidence of hand-tooling is visible in the irregularities of the chasing.
Functional Features
Deep, oval bowl for liquid or semi-liquid service; elongated handle for deep vessels; a small hanging ring at the base of the finial for decorative storage or display on a rack.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver handle, tapered and heavily textured for grip. Feature a 'Sultannic' style bulbous finial that balances the weight of the large bowl.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional hand-work. The transition from the smooth neck to the densely decorated handle shows a high level of skill in blending two different silversmithing techniques (casting and hand-chasing).
Authentication Indicators
The construction of the neck, the specific geometry of the hanging ring, and the style of the chasing are highly consistent with late 19th-century Turkish metalwork. Real silver will show the characteristic 'warm' tarnish seen here.
Origin & Manufacturing
Modern-day Turkey; likely Istanbul or a regional center like Erzurum or Trabzon, known for high-quality filigree and engraving traditions.
Era & Period
Late Ottoman Empire (Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century). This style bridges traditional Islamic motifs with the 'Ottoman Baroque' influence found in the 1880-1910 period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1880–1920. The decoration style and the wear on the bowl surface suggest a piece that is over 100 years old.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of Turkish hospitality and the 'Spoonsmith' (kaşıkçı) guild traditions which were highly respected in nomadic and urban Ottoman society.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible surface oxidation and minor pitting ('salt spots') in the bowl. The relief work on the handle remains crisp with some beautiful dark patina in the recesses that accentuates the depth of the carving.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD depending on the presence of a clear Tughra hallmark. Provenance to a specific palace or historical region can increase this significantly.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and mild silver polish like Wright's. Avoid over-polishing the handle to preserve the dark patina in the floral recesses which provides the artistic contrast.
Similar Pieces
Greek or Armenian silver spoons of the same era (vaguely similar but often use more bird imagery); Persian silver spoons (usually flatter engraving and different finial styles).
Interesting Facts
In Ottoman culture, spoons were often highly decorated because they were the primary utensil for communal dining; a host's status was often judged by the beauty of the spoons offered for pilaf or sherbet.