An Ottoman ivory and brass inlaid khatamkari rosewood dagger and scabbard, Turkey, 17th century

This lot should not bear a Warehouse symbol and will remain at New Bond Street after the sale. // This lot contains ivory and other restricted materials. Replica Shoes 's recommends that buyers check with their own government regarding any importation requirements prior to placing a bid. For example, US regulations restrictor prohibits the import of certain items (including ivory) to protect wildlife conservation. Please note that Sotheby's will not assist buyers with CITES licence applications where a buyer elects to either collect or arrange their own shipping, nor will Replica Shoes 's assist with the international movement of ivory by air, either as freight or through hand carry. Replica Shoes 's shipping will only assist in shipping the lot to either domestic UK or EU destinations, where delivery is made by road transport. Please note that CITES licences are required for the export of any restricted species from the UK, including to EU countries. A buyer's inability to export or import these lots cannot justify a delay in payment or sale cancellation.

This dagger is notable for its rarity, especially in the survival of its rosewood scabbard which features the same Ottoman design as its hilt, combining minute tesserae of stained ivory, resin, wood and metal with stylised foliate forms and khatamkari work. A technique which originated in Persia and spread throughout the Middle East, khatamkari comprises very fine ivory and bone 'baguettes' that are sliced and placed and set into fine cavities, usually in a wooden object such as the hilt and scabbard of this dagger.

Comparable examples are rare, and in terms of form, one must turn to the collection of the Museumslandschaft Hessen Kassel in Germany (inv. nos.KP B II.617 & KP B XVII.22, see Löwe und Halbmond, Ein Prunkzelt und Waffen aus dem Osmanischen Reich in Schloss Friedrichstein, Petersberg, 2012, catalogue nos.39 & 42, pp.131-3). Although these only feature daggers with wooden hilts and scabbards covered with metal mounts. Furthermore, the form recalls an ivory dagger set with khatamkari roundels sold in these rooms, April 2007, lot 152.