Ottoman Style Repoussé and Chased Silver Beaker
Hollowware (Beaker / Cup) · Unknown provincial silversmith; characteristic of Ottoman Empire or Persian workshop traditions. These items were often produced by small family guilds rather than large brands.
Pattern: Traditional Islamic / Middle Eastern lobed pattern with stippled 'Tughra-style' decorative elements.
Type
Hollowware (Beaker / Cup)
Maker
Unknown provincial silversmith; characteristic of Ottoman Empire or Persian workshop traditions. These items were often produced by small family guilds rather than large brands.
Material
Likely High-Grade Silver (800-900 purity). Continental or Middle Eastern silver of this era rarely used the .925 Sterling standard, opting for local purity standards.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 8-10 cm; Weight: 70-120 grams. The flared rim suggests a standard individual drinking vessel size.
Description
A charming example of regional silverwork, this beaker features a flared tapered body with deep vertical repoussé lobes. Each panel is meticulously decorated with hand-stippled geometric patterns. The interior retains the soft glow of hand-hammered silver, while the exterior displays a warm, aged patina. This vessel represents the transition between traditional courtly silver and more accessible household metalwork.
Key Features
Hand-chased stippling (pointillism style), deep vertical lobing, flared rim, and visible hand-forging marks on the interior floor.
Material & Composition
Likely High-Grade Silver (800-900 purity). Continental or Middle Eastern silver of this era rarely used the .925 Sterling standard, opting for local purity standards.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-hammered finish with repoussé vertical lobing. Features bright-cut engraving and stippling (dots) forming geometric and floral cartouches in a Folk-Art or Islamic style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks in image. Typically found on the exterior rim or underside as small punch marks (e.g., Sah mark for Ottoman silver or numerical 800/900 stamps).
Construction Details
Hand-raised from a flat sheet of silver. The visible hammer marks on the interior and the unevenness of the lobes indicate traditional manual craftsmanship rather than machine spinning.
Functional Features
Flared 'tulip' rim for comfortable drinking; wide base for stability. The lobing provides structural rigidity to the thin silver walls.
Handle & Grip Details
Handleless (Beaker form). The vertical fluting acts as a functional grip to prevent slipping when the metal is cold or wet.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality hand-chasing. The symmetry of the lobes against the free-hand nature of the stippling indicates a skilled artisan working within a traditional guild setting.
Authentication Indicators
The irregularity of the hand-chased dots and the depth of the lobes are consistent with authentic hand-wrought period pieces rather than modern cast reproductions.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Turkey, Armenia, or Iran. The stippled engraving and lobed construction are hallmarks of the silver centers in Istanbul, Erzurum, or Isfahan.
Era & Period
Late Ottoman or Early Modern Middle Eastern (Late 19th to Early 20th Century). Shows a blend of traditional Islamic motifs and simpler folk-art execution.
Age Estimate
Circa 1880-1930. The type of wear and the specific engraving style suggest a piece from the turn of the century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Zarf' or 'Kule' tradition of social drinking in the Near East, where silver was prized for its perceived purifying qualities and aesthetic prestige.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Displays age-appropriate tarnish (sulfide deposits) particularly in the recesses of the engraving. Some minor rim irregularities and surface micro-scratching from historical cleaning.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD. Value is driven by silver weight and the appeal of the hand-engraving to collectors of Near Eastern art.
Care & Maintenance
Hand-wash with mild soap. Polish lightly with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's to preserve the depth of the engraving. Avoid 'dips' which can strip the protective patina from the recesses.
Similar Pieces
Russian Niello Vodka Cups (which use black enamel), or English Georgian Beakers (which are typically smoother and heavier with thicker rims).
Interesting Facts
In Ottoman culture, silver cups were symbols of hospitality and often gifted during important life milestones. The 'lobed' design is an ancient Persian motif that migrated through the Silk Road.