Ottoman Style Tughra Marked Silver Tassa (Ablution or Sweetmeat Bowl)
Hollowware - Decorative/Functional Bowl (Tassa) · Unknown Turkish or Ottoman-era Silversmith; the central mark signifies state-authorized purity rather than a specific brand.
Pattern: Traditional Islamic Geometric and Foliate Repoussé; patterns in this style are rarely named but follow regional artistic conventions.
Type
Hollowware - Decorative/Functional Bowl (Tassa)
Maker
Unknown Turkish or Ottoman-era Silversmith; the central mark signifies state-authorized purity rather than a specific brand.
Material
Likely 800 or 900 Silver (standard for Ottoman/Turkish silver); potentially silver-plated brass depending on weight and base metal reveal at wear points.
Dimensions
Estimated 4-6 inches in diameter, 1-2 inches deep. Typical weight for this form ranges from 80 to 150 grams of silver.
Description
An exquisite example of Ottoman silver craft, this tassa features a radiating pattern of floral and geometric scrolls organized into panels. The center is highlighted by a traditional tughra mark, representing the Sultan's seal, which serves as a guarantee of quality. Its wavy, scalloped rim adds a dynamic movement to the piece, reflecting light beautifully off the hand-worked surfaces.
Key Features
Prominent central Tughra hallmark, deep repoussé foliate panels, and a distinctively scalloped perimeter.
Material & Composition
Likely 800 or 900 Silver (standard for Ottoman/Turkish silver); potentially silver-plated brass depending on weight and base metal reveal at wear points.
Finish & Decoration
Heavily ornamented with repoussé and chased foliate and geometric motifs. Features a scalloped (lobed) rim and a central circular cartouche. The style is late Ottoman Rococo/Baroque influences.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The central circular stamp appears to be an Ottoman Tughra (imperial monogram) and a 'Sah' mark, used to certify the silver fineness.
Construction Details
Hand-raised from a flat silver sheet with intensive hand-chasing and repoussé work performed from the reverse and front to create three-dimensional relief.
Functional Features
Single-piece construction with a deep well for holding liquids or small foodstuffs; scallopped edges provide structural rigidity and aesthetic flair.
Handle & Grip Details
None; designed as a hand-held vessel or a vessel to sit on a flat surface/tray.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality hand-chasing. The thinness of the silver indicates a skilled smith who could push the metal without tearing it.
Authentication Indicators
The central hallmark is the primary indicator. The irregularity in the repoussé work suggests hand-tooling rather than machine-stamping.
Origin & Manufacturing
Turkey, likely Istanbul or Armenian silversmith quarters. Manufactured using traditional Levant smithing methods.
Era & Period
Late Ottoman Period to Early Republic (late 19th century to early 20th century). Shows typical 'Turkish Rococo' influence.
Age Estimate
Circa 1880-1920. The Tughra style suggests a late 19th-century origin, though these designs persisted into the 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fusion of Islamic geometric art with European Baroque and Rococo influences that dominated the Tanzimat era of the Ottoman Empire.
Condition Notes
Good condition with visible tarnish in the deep recesses of the chasing. Some loss of detail on the highest points of the relief due to years of polishing.
Value Estimate
$150 - $400 USD depending on the weight and the specific Sultan identified by the Tughra mark.
Care & Maintenance
Hand-wash with mild soap; use a soft horsehair brush to remove tarnish from deep grooves. Avoid chemical dips which can strip the desirable 'aged' patina from the recesses.
Similar Pieces
Persian 'Qajar' silver bowls (different hallmarks, usually more figural) or Southeast Asian 'Peranakan' silver (different foliate patterns).
Interesting Facts
In Ottoman culture, such bowls were used in hamams for pouring water or at the dining table for serving 'lokum' (Turkish Delight) and other sweets.