The Missing Culture

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

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

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

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

The price theory rather vaguely says that since we differ in a value, we agree on a price. Soprano Leyla Gencer's poster of her Madame Butterfly performance in the City Opera (1950s) is an example. Just a few years prior to her departure to Italy, Gencer took stage in Puccini's renowned opera, directed by G. Singer. It was again Madame Butterfly, this time in San Carlo Opera, that helped her achieve worldwide recognition. From San Francisco to La Scala Milan, she continued to increase the number of her admirers including me. And the price theory. Look at the price tag and try guessing how much I value her. Do you think we will agree on the price? You bet we will! Dimensions: 135x100 cm. Estimated value: $ 200

It is hard to say Ottoman Empire had an air force in the sense we know it nowadays. The fleet consisted of a handful of planes usually used in reconnaissence missions in the World War I. This Ottoman badge belonged to one of the few pilots of the time. Estimated value: $ 750

Another score sheet, this time by Arthur Gillespie and Edna Williams, featuring songs of Elizabeth Murray in an A.H. Woods production dubbed "Exceeding the Speed Limit." My Turkish Opal from Constantinople gently or sublimely calls you to your exquisite harem of priceless gems not to be found elsewhere. It is interesting to observe that these are offered in the Orient to the common man of the West whereas same is promised in heaven to the common man of the East, after fulfilling a lengthy condition list, of course. Estimated value: $ 90

When it comes to score sheets, there was and probably still is one place in Turkey: Yuksek Kaldirim. In this steep road connecting Karakoy to Tunnel Beyoglu, reside the poor lit, dim stores to satisfy your hunger for music. Countless weekends of mine were spent inside them, searching, seeking the pieces we wanted to perform later. David Nason's "In the Sultan's Palace" from Bernard Wagness Piano Series reminded me of those days. The publisher and/or distributor information reads as follows: Oliver Ditson Company, Theodore Presser Co. Distributors, 1712 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA. Estimated value: $ 40

Rejoice! The miracle drug has arrived. This promo of Aspirin was so cute that I had difficulty in classifying it. A "holy cuteness" section perhaps? After the beating of the drum, a baritone voice announces that Aspirin has won the final battle against the devil, oh, and the dog is extremely happy. Late 19th century booklet of 28 pages in Turkish and in French. Estimated value: $ 120

I have never been a believer of astrology, fortune telling or tarot, our subject. My aunt is a good fortune teller, or so people say, and always sees money and more money in my cup of Turkish coffee such that after she finishes the telling, people start looking at me, with expectations I guess. That feeling, people being extra nice, incredibly gentle and helpful, lasts for a few days and I enjoy it. So, whenever I have expectations from those around, I often ask my aunt to tell me what lies ahead. Since most of you will not be around (physically), I can tell you the truth: I am still poor. Yet, there is no reason not to try your luck with these cards, maybe Ottomans will help you. Be creative :-) Estimated value: $ 120

This one is fairly recent, possibly 1950's. A book marker of Bayer, the pharmaceutical company, promoting Helmitol, a drug for urinary sicknesses as explained in the red colored phrase to the left of Bayer's logo. Am I the only one who observes less and less companies use this method of promotion, maybe except publishers? Welcome to the digital revolution. Estimated value: $ 40

How about remembering good old days? This is the cover of the Hilton's flier for 1956 New Year's menu. Famous puppet theater character Karagoz is holding the baloons. Apparently, it was before the age of advertising companies charging big bucks in the name of public relations as it is sweet and heartfelt. A rarity for the corporate world of today. Estimated value: $ 60

A lithograph print of a fabric label of late 19th century by Ipranossian Freres of Samsun for Farbenfabriken vorm. Friedr. Bayer & G Elberfeld. Dimensions: 14x10 cm. Estimated value: $ 100