Large Ottoman tombak heap - Lot 281

Large Ottoman tombak heap Tombak - copper gilded with mercury Turkey, circa 1800, reign of Selim III, Ottoman Empire D. 21 cm - H. 6 cm Weight : 764g This beautiful tombak hammam pile with thick gilding is in excellent condition. It's a fine example of Ottoman production in mercury-gilded copper, or tombak, whose name derives from the Malay word tumbaga. This technique was particularly appreciated in the Ottoman world for the gilding of prestigious objects, such as ewers and their basins, elements of armor (helmets, shields and chamfers), and other copper objects made luxurious by the application of this thick gilding. A stamped seal on the outer edge bears the word "tombak". It features baroque decoration typical of the period, with finely chased leaves on the outer rim, framing the flower in the center of the umbilicus. The central part of the umbilicus makes it easy to hold, for pouring water over the body in the hammam.