Page 140 - The Age of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent

73. Carved ivory mirror with ebony handle made for Sultan Süleyman by 74. Carved ivory mirror, second quarter sixteenth century (istanbul, Topkapi
Gani in 1543/1544 (istanbul, Topkapi Sarayí Müzesi, 2/2893) Sarayí Müzesi, 2/1804)

rated with two superimposed scrolls, one bearing composite brant articulation. The ivory is almost an intricate lace, with
hatayis and the other elaborate rumis. Black organic material scrolls weaving in and out, passing over and under one an-
is inlaid into the grooved band that encircles the outer and other, harmoniously blending with the curves of the letters.
inner plaques and forms occasional loops; the loops on the The Turkish poem around the edge is in the nature of an
inner plaque are set with gold nails. invocation, imploring the Creator to keep the beholder's
The face of the mirror has an ivory frame inlaid with gold beautiful face perpetually radiant, to preserve the mirror "as
twisted wire, which outlines the scallops and bands around long as the world revolves," and to accept the prayers. The
the edge, and defines the rumis decorating the finial and inscription on the stem states that the piece was made during
stem. Set into the frame is a glass mirror, which has a crack; the reign of "Sultan Süleyman §ah" and gives the name of
its metallic backing is oxidized and slightly damaged. the maker and the date. The splendid and understated ele-
The mirror, its back constructed of several superimposed gance of the mirror is unsurpassed.
planes each carved in layers, displays an extraordinarily vi- A second ivory mirror executed with equal delicacy (74)

139