A COLLECTION OF OTTOMAN SHERBET SPOONS, TURKEY, 19TH CENTURY

Each of characteristic form, the bowls of tortoiseshell, walrus ivory, bone and coconut, the handles variously in ivory, bone and red coral, some with engraved hatched decoration.
The longest 27.8 cm.(11)

CATALOGUE NOTE
Spoons such as these would have graced the most luxurious tables in Istanbul which would have included homes of wealthy merchants, the nobility and Topkapi Palace. They were typically used for serving fruit sherbets but were also used for rice, preserves and fruit stews. For a similar set of 4 spoons offered in these rooms, see Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 11th January 2011, lot 142. A set of 21 spoons was offered at Christie's, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 21st April 2016, lot 192.