Calligraphy set

Calligraphy set

Ottoman Empire, 19th century

Comprising a pair of gold-damascened steel scissors, one inscribed in Arabic on the blade, the other with a handle in the shape of the inscription "Ya fattah", a red morocco manuscript binding with stamped and gilded decoration of a Salomon seal in the center and arabesques in the spandrels, and a ceramic illuminator inkwell with decoration mainly in cobalt. Binding with flap: 36.5 x 19 cm Inkwell: 17 x 18 cm Scissors: 25 and 29 cm Provenance : Jean-Charles Tauzin Collection (1889-1957) Although utilitarian, Ottoman paper scissors were nonetheless luxury items. In the 19th century, the Court commissioned calligrapher's sets as gifts. Their presence in many museum collections bears witness to their wide distribution. A set of implements for Turkish scribe, Ottoman Empire, 19th century