The Missing Culture

Edirne was (and still is) the cradle of decorators and designers of furniture in Ottoman Empire. That is why works done by artisans of Edirne are called Edirnekari. A really old and undamaged Edirnekari furniture can be worth in gold. This late 18th early 19th century Edirnekari cabinet is a good example of the craftsmanship of the time. I deeply regret I was unable to find a close up photo to show you details. Dimensions: 33x76x195 cm. Estimated value: $ 15,000

Apart from the thought how one can comfortably read a book sitting and with a desk like this, I truly wish I had a more detailed photo of this piece, so that you can clearly see the quality of craftsmanship on this Iranian reading desk of nineteenth century. Dimensions: 57.50x21 cm. Estimated value: $ 4,000

Sometimes Orient surprises you. During the long life of the Ottoman Empire a lot of artifacts and commodities were traded, looted, stolen, etc. You come to find an oriental piece and come across this one, which was traded in a 2007 auction in Istanbul. This marqueterie brass and ebony enameled Boulle cabinet belonged to Hanover dynasty and is dated 1870's. Dimensions: 128x82.5x38.5 cm. Estimated value: $ 20,000