Another Most Unusual Pedang With Possible Turkish or Indian Influence

Philip · 6th April 2017, 04:12 AM

The extensive piercing utilized in the pommel area is also interesting because the motifs are right out of the rococo patternbooks of 18th cent. European artisans. Objects made in the rococo style were of course extensively used and traded by the Dutch. Not only that, rococo became wildly popular in the decorative arts of Turkey as a result of Ottoman enthusiasm for certain aspects of Western culture, especially during the so-called Tulip Age (Lale Devri), which coincided with the final decade or so of Sultan Ahmed III's reign (1703-30). Rococo motifs are commonly seen on the silver scabbards of many Ottoman yats and kilices, and in fact they remained in vogue in Turkey long after becoming passé in the West.

The outreach to the West for cultural inspiration by the Ottomans during a period which is regarded by many historians as one of decline helps to counter the notion that myopia and xenophobia were/are the iconic hallmarks of fading Middle Eastern states. The pleasure-loving Ahmed was nonetheless open-minded enough to allow a printing press, several public libraries, and a modern fire department in Istanbul, most of which were set up by Europeans. An ambassador was sent to Paris to study French innovations that would strengthen Ottoman rule. So this helps explain why the décor on so many of those Otto scabbards has such a "French" flavor. And why Paris workshops like those of Manceaux found a ready market in the Levant for presentation-grade bichaqs and yataghans decorated in rococo style.

6th April 2017, 04:12 AM	#1
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	The extensive piercing utilized in the pommel area is also interesting because the motifs are right out of the rococo patternbooks of 18th cent. European artisans. Objects made in the rococo style were of course extensively used and traded by the Dutch. Not only that, rococo became wildly popular in the decorative arts of Turkey as a result of Ottoman enthusiasm for certain aspects of Western culture, especially during the so-called Tulip Age (Lale Devri), which coincided with the final decade or so of Sultan Ahmed III's reign (1703-30). Rococo motifs are commonly seen on the silver scabbards of many Ottoman yats and kilices, and in fact they remained in vogue in Turkey long after becoming passé in the West. The outreach to the West for cultural inspiration by the Ottomans during a period which is regarded by many historians as one of decline helps to counter the notion that myopia and xenophobia were/are the iconic hallmarks of fading Middle Eastern states. The pleasure-loving Ahmed was nonetheless open-minded enough to allow a printing press, several public libraries, and a modern fire department in Istanbul, most of which were set up by Europeans. An ambassador was sent to Paris to study French innovations that would strengthen Ottoman rule. So this helps explain why the décor on so many of those Otto scabbards has such a "French" flavor. And why Paris workshops like those of Manceaux found a ready market in the Levant for presentation-grade bichaqs and yataghans decorated in rococo style.