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Sotheby's Eye for Opulence Ottoman auction sees estimates smashed
A 1500s panel beat its valuation by 171% to take top spot at Sotheby's Eye for Opulence sale
Paul Fraser Collectibles, Wednesday 25 April 2012
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Sotheby's An Eye for Opulence: Art of the Ottoman Empire sale on April 24 saw estimates continually broken.
Top lot was an Ottoman voided velvet and metal thread catma panel, which achieved £325,250, 171% above its £120,000 estimate.
The late 16th century item, which is more than five feet in length, features offset rows of intricate plane tree leaf palmettes.
 A 16th century panel was the £325,250 top lot |
A first half of the 16th century Ottoman silver cup and cover from Turkey achieved £121,250, comfortably within estimate, while a circa 1550 Ottoman silver-gilt tankard from the Balkans made £91,250, 14% above the £80,000 high valuation.
The single owner Sotheby's London sale, which forms part of the auction house's Turkish & Islamic week, made £2.7m in total.
The collection "is the result of over thirty years' searching and selection on the part of its owner," commented Edward Gibbs, head of Sotheby's Middle East department.
"[Their] enviable level of connoisseurship, gained from many years of studying the various forms of Ottoman art, is reflected in the mature and sophisticated array of objects, textiles and paintings".
An Iznik polychrome jug, produced in Turkey circa 1580-1585, more than doubled its £20,000 high estimate, with a £45,650 showing, a further indication of the current strength of the market for Ottoman artefacts.
We will bring you further news from Sotheby's Turkish & Islamic week over the coming days, so make sure to check in regularly.
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Images: Sotheby's
