The Missing Culture

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque by Uskudarli Cevat

2011-01-23T10:58:00.000-08:00

I picked Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, an oil on canvas, by Uskudarli Cevat (1870-1939) not for his value or superb brushwork of its painter, nor its value. The architect of the mosque was Sinan and he was madly in love with Mihrimah, an Ottoman princess. When he was commissioned for the job, he secretly set out to build two instead of one, facing each other albeit the distance.

Mihrimah is combination of two words in Persian: the Sun and the Moon. If you happen to be in Istanbul around spring equinox on March 21st and want to witness what love is capable of, just find a convenient spot between the mosques. You will notice while the sun is setting behind the first one in the west, a new moon will be rising behind the second in the east. His feelings for her, however, were not returned. C'est la vie!

Dimensions: 60x68 cm
Estimated value: $ 7,500

Hilye-i Serif by Mehmed Bahir El-Yesari

2011-01-22T09:30:00.000-08:00

Although it is on the cheap side, this hilye-i serif by Mehmed Bahir El-Yesari is a good example of the coloring technique used by the artists of the time. It is almost next to impossible to match the colors with contemporary dyes and equipment. Calligraphic style is celi talik and talik with a ketebe plus names of the prophet and four caliphs complete the hilye-i serif as usual.

Dimensions: 80x52 cm
Estimated value: $ 7,500

Hochst Oriental Band

2011-01-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Continuing with the light hearted spirit of new year celebration, here is another set of statuettes designed and made by Höchst porcelain factory especially for Middle East. The oriental band players wearing turbans with local and western instruments are from Leyla Akcaglilar collection again.

Estimated value: $1.000

The Sleeping Japanese

2011-01-03T12:16:00.000-08:00

The sleeping Japanese figures are here because they are cute. I came across them at an auction where a considerable portion of Leyla Akcaglilar's collection was up for sale. 20th century, Herend porcelain, if I remember correctly. As it is uncommon to see Japanese art or items with a Japanese theme in the region, they had better take their due place in the Missing Culture.

Estimated value: $135

Miners by Nedim Gunsur

2011-01-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

Black gold, as it is called around here. Many a tragedy have taken place in the coal mines. Hundreds of feet below the surface, eyes closed, never to see again; leaving their loved ones also as victims.

I have a particular bias towards this oil on plywood by Nedim Gunsur (1924-1994), the miners. Simple, bold and striking colors. Despiration, helplessness, sorrow...

I have no idea how it manages to move me; but it just does that, and that's what art is all about.

Dimensions: 47x42 cm
Estimated value: $10,000

Ottoman War Academy Diploma

2009-05-02T03:28:00.000-07:00

War Academy was one the prestigious schools of the Ottoman era and this diploma with an Ottoman coat of arms on top, is one the remnants of those days, dated 1911. No, it is not valuable because the school literally spit out officers to accommodate one war after another.

Nothing has changed much since then, except the names, of course. In order to superficially comply with the "peace" theme of 20th century, War Academy has become General Service School and Ministry of War is now called Ministry of Defense as in most parts of the world. Exegesis at its finest.

Dimensions: 74x50 cm.
Estimated value: $150

Chrysanthemums by Froidure

2009-04-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

A still life of chrysanthemums by E. Faux Froidure, watercolor on paper. Dated 1902 and signed by the artist, it is a souvenir from passers by. Still life painting is the only form that I have a hard time to reconcile with. Not that I despise the work, but drawing still objects as if taking pictures of them is something beyond me. Show me the most abstract painting, I am comfortable, but figs or apples on a plate, no.

Dimensions: 95x120 cm.
Estimated value: $12,000

Bohemian Hookah

2009-04-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

Now that we know pot is good for your brain, it is time to set sail to new adventures. Why not start with this beautiful Bohemian hookah of nineteenth century? Extraordinary designs with a silver laden top, it is a typical luxury item of Sultan Abdulmecid (1839-1861) era. Other than it is good for your soul, I can't guarantee anything else.

Height: 45 cm.
Estimated value: $7,000

Ferman of Sultan Mahmud I

2009-04-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

Dated 1732, this ferman of Sultan Mahmud I can be considered one of the outstanding examples of Ottoman calligraphy. Considering it was written only for the ordinary task of transfer of tax collection rights to Esseyyid İbrahim upon Eyüb Sabri's death (none of them had any historical significance), the amount of work put in it is remarkable, it is like getting your tax return with a document like this.

Written in ruby, gold and black ink in celi divani style, enameled with gold flowers, it really shines.

Dimensions: 128.5x52.5 cm.
Estimated value: $45,000

Catholic Missions Map

2009-04-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

Whenever I look at this late nineteenth century (1893) map of Catholic missions (carte ecclesiastique) in Ottoman Empire, I can not help but remember Mary Doria Russell's science fiction book "The Sparrow" with a naughty smile on my face, grinning a grin as they say.

In her award winning book (Best Book by British SF Writers, James Tiptree Jr., Arthur C. Clarke and John W. Campbell awards), Russell tells us about a discovery of an earth-like planet and the race to launch an expedition between various organizations and countries. To our surprise, the first to successfully organize a mission is neither United Nations nor a space faring country but the Catholic Church, the Jesuits to be exact.

As long as they do not pose an imminent threat to the dynasty, the Empire was generally tolerant to religious institutions and many missions flourished throughout the country. I really wish I had a higher resolution image of it.

Dimensions: 100x80 cm.
Estimated value: $1,000

Mira Music Box

2009-03-18T04:31:00.000-07:00

This Mira music box of early 1900s is good example of simplicity combined with elegance. You replace the punched steel disk and swim in seas of memories. Roll a cigarette and dream of cabarets, jazz, big bands, dancing men and women with fancy dresses of the era.

At least, that's what I do whenever I look at it.

Estimated value: $ 1,500

Chess Players

2009-03-11T06:56:00.000-07:00

Here is an anonymous (signature illegible) painting dubbed "Chess Players", watercolor on paper. It shows above all how time was perceived then. Look at the relaxed attitude of the players, enjoying their game without clocking it, their coffee and tea aside, comfortably seated on cushions.

Dimensions: 18.5x27.5 cm
Estimated value: $ 2,000

Ottoman Naval Society Matchbox

2009-03-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

People have always wanted to be a part of something, be it a club, a society, a community or something similar. It seems we do not want to dispute the man who said "Man is a social animal."

So societies were created and in turn they used a myriad of items to strengthen the feeling of "being part of".

To your left is a matchbox distributed by the Ottoman Naval Society, late 19th century, to make their members feel special.

Dimensions: 5.5x3.5 cm
Estimated value: $ 200

Gold Enameled Watch

2009-03-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

Historians and economists included, many tried to explain what triggered industrialization and why it failed to emerge in various regions of the world. Let me throw in my explanation:

The concept of time.

How we perceived time, or passing of it, was a crucial factor for mass production and specialization. Societies that had a relaxed understanding of time failed (now, this failure is subjective) to evolve from agricultural to industrial countries.

A souvenir from 19th century, a gold enameled watch: the ultimate instrument of precision timing and coordination.

Radius: 5.5 cm
Estimated value: $ 10,000

J. Wardale Compass

2009-03-06T01:52:00.000-08:00

There was a time when sailors were sailors; no GPS, no machinery. You relied on friendly winds to move you, stars to guide you during the night and a compass like this J. Wardale to find North in the day. Scary, eh?

Dated: 1918

Dimensions: 7.5x7.5 cm.
Estimated value: $ 300

Devil's Creek by Mubin Orhon

2009-03-04T01:39:00.000-08:00

Dated 1965, "The Devil's Creek" is the most famous painting of Mubin Orhon. It is a triple oil on canvas.

I like abstract paintings and this one is no exception with its vivid colors and choice of red as primary color. It is refreshing to see that experts agree with me this time :-)

Dimensions: 70x150 cm.

Estimated value: $ 150,000

Cloisonne Vases

2009-03-02T01:30:00.000-08:00

Ottomans were fond of China, all varieties and origins. Not only there was a lively local productions but a considerable amount of china were also imported like these Cloisonne vases of 19th century.

Sometimes I can not help but desire to touch these items, if only I had them, of course. Only zeros and ones.

Dimensions: 90x22.5 cm.
Estimated value: $ 8,000

Golden Horn by Devrim Erbil

2009-02-27T01:22:00.000-08:00

How about something more modern. Golden Horn as seen from Suleymaniye is an oil on canvas by Devrim Erbil, and dated 2006. What amazes me most is the accuracy of the buildings. The painter did take the time to reflect what was there at the time of the work. Patience?

Dimensions: 110x80cm.
Estimated value: $ 6,000

Board by Raif Efendi

2009-02-25T01:14:00.000-08:00

I liked the colors of this board by Raif Efendi (Enderunlu). True, it is not one of the finest examples of calligraphy nor the most expensive one. Yet, it has a subtle beauty that captures my attention. I do not know why.

Dated: 1915

Dimensions: 28x34.5 cm
Estimated value: $ 350

Bashibouzhuks

2009-02-23T01:12:00.000-08:00

Bashibouzhuk is a vague term used for bandits, robbers and similar free spirits :-) during the Ottoman era. They usually raided villages, hotels (technically they are called hans) and caravansarays (caravan stop-overs).

This unsigned orientalist pencil drawing is roughly 40 years old. Experts could not decide whether it is a copy or a reproduction.

Estimated value: $ 175

Fox and Grapes by H.G. Schlesinger

2009-02-03T02:54:00.000-08:00

Henri Guillaime Schlesinger's "Fox and Grapes" is a beautiful color lithograph. Dated 1850, it has the common characteristic of most lithographic pictures of the era: attention to detail. Considering access to Harem was actually not allowed, I can say these are truely the first scrapbooking examples. You draw the carpet from a friend's house, the curtain from somewhere else, ladies could be your relatives, and you end up with an imaginary harem.

Dimensions: 43x55 cm.
Estimated value: $ 300

Lottery of Greek Inas School

2009-01-30T09:27:00.000-08:00

If you dig deeper, you always come across something interesting, if not valuable. Surrounded with all kinds of dogma, you do not expect to find lotteries, betting, etc in this part of the world, nor do you think it would have been tolerated. Yet, here it is. A lottery ticket to raise funds for the Greek Inas School in Besiktas Istanbul.

Dated 1914
Estimated value: $ 30

Ruba'i Board by Mehmed Esad Yesari

2009-01-18T10:22:00.000-08:00

Ruba'i is the Persian quatrain made especially popular by Omar Khayyam. Since 11th century its popularity has never ceased in Asia Minor. Calligraphers loved them. Just like its Japanese counterpart haiku (which is three lines), its shortness and directness made it an obvious choice for artists who were somewhat restricted by religious dogma. Mehmed Esad Yesari's rubai board is dated 1791 and a good example.

Dimensions: 33.5x20 cm.
Estimated value: $ 1,500

Bohemian Candy Bowl

2009-01-15T04:26:00.000-08:00

I have been to numerous countries. Well, more than average let us say. I have yet to see a more candy loving nation than Turks. Be it the Ottoman or the Republic era, this candy madness continued. Hence, the storage problem.

Can you picture yourself shopping for a candy bowl, rather a couple, one for kitchen and one for the living room, trying to find one like this Bohemian with a lower price tag?

From nineteenth century.

Dims: 22.5x23.5 cm.
Estimated value: $ 5,000

Your Skin Deserves Better

2009-01-14T05:32:00.000-08:00

It is somewhat sad to notice the advertising industry is unable to come up with something better than celebrities using their products. In this 1955 ad, we see Ayten Cankaya promoting Puro brand soaps and skin care products. I cannot comment on the soap but she really is beautiful.

Dimensions: 24x17 cm.
Estimated value: $ 50