Brilliant, iridescent mother-of-pearl or 'sedef' has been used as a decorative material since at least 2500 bce. Artisans in the Middle East have been creating the most opulent, shimmering effects, ranging from complex starbursts to delicate floral arabesques.
During the brilliant flowering of Ottoman art in the 16th and 17th centuries, mother-of-pearl inlaid furnishings achieved their finest moment. Artisans in Istanbul’s imperial workshops produced works of astonishing splendour.
This particular small case has large mother-of-pearl inlay set within solid walnut. The interior is lined with plush crimson velvet and has a clasp on the outside to keep in everything.
Handmade in Turkey.
