Cyprus-Forum.com

[kafenes]

As a collector of many things, I have this tray (haven't got round to polishing yet) which I believe is Turkish. It is hand crafted by the looks of it and very detailed. Can someone tell me more about it? Description etc.?
It's around 60cm across.

[MR-from-NG]

As a collector of many things, I have this tray (haven't got round to polishing yet) which I believe is Turkish. It is hand crafted by the looks of it and very detailed. Can someone tell me more about it? Description etc.?
It's around 60cm across.

Kafenes, I always watch the Antiques Road Show and whenever something like this appear on the show the experts always say it is a mistake to polish them. They apparently have more value as they are and looking aged. I'm no expert and cant say for certain if this applies to your tray but do get expert advice before polishing.

Nice tray by the way, I'll get my son to look at it later, he specialises in Islamic art and antiquities at Harvard, he is in the UK for the weekend and may know something about it.

[iceman]

Yes it is Turkish,but i cant help you with the meaning of old Arabic alphabet engraving on it...Maybe deniz will be able to translate for us..
These trays usually are used with wooden folding legs which also have same engraving design...
Years ago we had one in Limassol but it was about 100cm diameter..

[phoenix]

Yes ..... these were copied from much older Moroccan-inspired ones ....



Don't get angry at me .... it's a fact!

[MR-from-NG]

Sorry Iceman but I've just been told its a modern piece, probably made in Syria or Egypt in imitation of Mamluk metalwork, which is a type of metalwork made in the Mamluk Empire (Egypt and Syria) between the 13th and 16th century.

The writing is in Arabic not old Turkish. The central inscription says Allah and the one around it are the various titles of God.

[T_C]

Nice tray kafenes!!!!

People in Turkey use those trays as a tables...well at least in Trabzon they do. And like iceman said they have wooden legs that the tray rests on.

PS: The script in the middle (I think) says God...not 100% sure but thats what God spelt in Arabic usually looks like...

[T_C]

You beat me to it MR.

[BC Numismatics]

Kafenes,it does have a very strong Moorish look to it.The design reminds me of the Seal of Sulaiman,which you can find on some Moroccan coins.It could have been made anywhere in north Africa or the Middle East.

As others have said,DO NOT polish it! This will destroy the natural patina.

Have you checked the back for any maker's marks?

Aidan.

[MR-from-NG]

You beat me to it MR.

TC,

If this was a horse race I would have won by a "nose"

[iceman]

Sorry Iceman but I've just been told its a modern piece, probably made in Syria or Egypt in imitation of Mamluk metalwork, which is a type of metalwork made in the Mamluk Empire (Egypt and Syria) between the 13th and 16th century.

The writing is in Arabic not old Turkish. The central inscription says Allah and the one around it are the various titles of God.

Well....all i know is these were in fashion at one time and people visiting Turkey would bring them back...It wouldn't surprise me if they were originally from Syria..