λ A HARDWOOD MOTHER-OF-PEARL, TORTOISE SHELL AND IVORY-INLAID BIRDCAGE
Ottoman Turkey, late 19th century

Of rectangular shape, resting on four short bracket feet, rising to a pyramidal structure at the top, surmounted by a small rectangular platform set with brass finials and central brass knob with suspension ring, the central cage formed by thin metal wire bars enhanced with cusped hardwood ivory-inlaid spandrels and an arch-shaped door with a mother-of-pearl and tortoise shell frame, the top and bottom with geometric bands consisting of a chequered motif of tortoise shell and mother-of-pearl marquetry work, the decoration on the pyramidal structure with similar geometric and star-shaped designs, the metal base removable from one side, 38cm x 38cm x 78cm.

Provenance: Roseberys London, 23 October 2017, lot 385.

Some of the elements of this birdcage appear to be inspired by real Ottoman architectural models, especially the pyramidal structure at the top with the rectangular banister. For a similar example, please see Sotheby's London, 22 April 2015, lot 247.

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