AN OTTOMAN REPOUSSÉ SILVER TAZA (BOWL)
Ottoman Provinces, 16th - 17th century

Of circular shape, with a central hemispherical boss (omphalos) decorated with chased vegetal spray and an applied recumbent stag, a thin band of wavy lines framing the centre and repeated below the rim on the exterior, the cavetto plain, 10.2cm diam., 104g.

Various examples of early Ottoman bowls such as ours have appeared on the auction market in recent years. Two tazas were successfully sold in these Rooms, 25 October 2019, lot 184 and 29 October 2020, lot 220. Some of the quintessential features of these bowls are the high-relief vegetal and animal decoration and applied animals to the omphalos, often quadrupeds. A Byzantine influence can be seen in both the decoration itself and the decorative techniques used. For further examples, please see Christie's South Kensington, 24 April 2015, lot 354; Christie's London, 26 October 2017, lot 201; and Sotheby's London, 24 April 2012, lot 165 and 3 October 2012, lot 250.