Mother-of-pearl and ebony inlaid, incorporating geometric and foliate parquetry inlay, this elegant and opulent piece was made in Syria during the time of the Ottoman Empire.
The shelf features a canted corner, the back of which bears a rectangular panel, which has pillars with a shaped triangular cresting. This is in turn surmounted by a crescent finial, which is decorated with a roundel enclosing a tughra.
The mother-of-pear dances elegantly within the ebony and wooden mounts, the lattice towards the centre is particularly pleasing, as are the star elements and isometric patterns on the side pillars. A fine decorative ware, and a beautiful antique from Ottoman history, it is an unmissable piece for the interested collector.