Ottoman Style Brass and Mixed Metal Kohl Pot and Tobacco Jar
Decorative Objects and Vanity Items (Kohl Bottle and Lidded Canister) · Unmarked Folk Artisanal Workshop; likely Middle Eastern or North African (Maghreb) origin
Pattern: Traditional Islamic Geometric and Floral Engraving (Non-specific folk pattern)
Type
Decorative Objects and Vanity Items (Kohl Bottle and Lidded Canister)
Maker
Unmarked Folk Artisanal Workshop; likely Middle Eastern or North African (Maghreb) origin
Material
Brass and Bronze alloy with an oxidized patina; likely contains zinc, copper, and trace lead. No high-purity silver content visible; may have had a silver wash or ‘German Silver’ tinning that has worn away.
Dimensions
Estimated height of kohl bottle: 15-18 cm; canister: 8-10 cm. Estimated combined weight: 450-600 grams.
Description
A charming duo of Middle Eastern metalware comprising a bulbous kohl (surmadani) container and a cylindrical storage jar. These pieces exemplify the utilitarian art found in regional markets, utilizing brass to mimic the grandeur of silver through intricate hand-tooling and symbolic iconography.
Key Features
The oversized pierced finial on the kohl bottle is the primary diagnostic feature, intended to act as a stand-out vanity piece. The jar features 'naive' engraving style typical of hand-chiseled folk art.
Material & Composition
Brass and Bronze alloy with an oxidized patina; likely contains zinc, copper, and trace lead. No high-purity silver content visible; may have had a silver wash or ‘German Silver’ tinning that has worn away.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-engraved with floral registers and linear borders. The kohl bottle features a prominent openwork (pierced) 'Hand of Fatima' (Hamsa) or stylized floral finial with a central calligraphic cartouche.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible official hallmarks or purity stamps; common in regional bazaar-style metalwork where items are sold by weight or craft rather than fineness.
Construction Details
Sand-cast and lathed components; the canister shows evidence of hammered sheet construction with a rolled rim; the bottle is comprised of several cast sections threaded or soldered together.
Functional Features
Kohl bottle includes a long applicator wand attached to the decorative finial; canister features a friction-fit domed lid with a ball finial for storing tobacco, spices, or incense.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral metal finials; the bottle applicator serves as both a decorative crown and a functional grip for applying eye cosmetic.
Craftsmanship Details
Mid-tier artisanal craftsmanship; manual engraving is visible but lacks the precision of high-end master silversmithing. The symmetry is indicative of hand-operated lathe work.
Authentication Indicators
The lack of hallmarks and the brassy 'gold' undertone visible through the tarnish indicate these are non-precious copper-alloy base metals rather than sterling silver. Construction shows modern lathe marks.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Morocco, Egypt, or Turkey; manufactured in a small-scale workshop specializing in 'Souk' export wares using traditional metal-turning methods.
Era & Period
Modern Traditional (Late 20th Century); stylistically rooted in 19th-century Ottoman aesthetic traditions.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950–1980; the aging suggests atmospheric oxidation rather than centuries of use.
Cultural Significance
Represents the continuity of Islamic decorative arts and the importance of grooming and hospitality (tobacco/incense) in Middle Eastern social heritage.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition; heavy surface oxidation and tarnish (verdigris). Minor surface pitting on the jar. The applicator wand appears intact. No major structural dents visible.
Value Estimate
$40 - $85 USD for the pair; value is decorative/sentimental rather than metal-melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild brass cleaner like Brasso if a bright finish is desired, or leave as-is to preserve the dark 'antique' patina. Avoid harsh acids.
Similar Pieces
Antique Persian Silver Surmadani (would be hallmarked and much finer detail); Indian Brass Incense Burners; Moroccan Nickel-Silver Tea Caddy.
Interesting Facts
Kohl pots have been used since Ancient Egypt for both cosmetic beauty and to protect eyes from the desert sun; these modern versions are often purchased by tourists as decorative relics of that history.