The biannual “Art of the Islamic World Auction” hosted by Sotheby’s has returned. Among several opulent items, Sotheby’s will offer an extremely rare item: a lost and found early 16th century Ottoman box.

Lavishly designed with ivory and turquoise, the Ottoman box is embroidered with floral patterns – true to the Ottoman fashion. The Safavid traditions are elegantly depicted through the scrupulous nielloed gold work.

Set with rubies, the ivory and turquoise are sophisticatedly highlighted by a bejeweled medallion in the center, surrounded by four gold and niello spandrels in each corner.

Originally constructed as a gemstone weigh scale, the measurements are 17.3cm long, 8.8cm wide and 3.2cm high.

As of this morning, Sotheby’s announced that the rare Persian goldsmith creation will fetch an estimated $1 million.

-Affluent Page

[Sotheby's]