Interiors & Decorations

Jewellery & Precious Stones

Watches, Pens & Lighters

Fashion

Coins & Stamps

Comics & Animation

Classic Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia

Wine, Whisky & Spirits

Asian & Tribal Art

Trading Cards

Toys & Models

Archaeology & Natural History

Sports

Music, Movies & Cameras

Books & Historical Memorabilia

The finest objects brought to you by {name}

Surya Rutten

Sultan Abdülhamid II (1876–1909)
The coffee-drinking culture in the Ottoman Empire was highly developed, and with it came a strong emphasis on elegant and refined presentation. Due to their delicate and fragile nature, porcelain cups were often placed into metal holders—known as zarfs—to help retain heat and make them easier to handle. These holders not only provided functionality but also enhanced the visual appeal of the coffee service.

The zarf cups in question are made of silver that has been gilded using a technique known as tombak, a traditional Ottoman method of applying gold leaf or gold wash over metal. The bodies of the zarfs feature openwork (ajour) designs, reflecting the fine craftsmanship and artistry of Ottoman metalworkers. The way light filters through these open patterns gives the piece a highly elegant and captivating appearance.

The zarfs bear the Ottoman sultan’s tughra (imperial monogram), silver assay stamps, and characteristic zigzag hallmarks of the period. Notably, zarfs featuring the sultan’s tughra are exceedingly rare, indicating that these pieces were not only utilitarian but also belonged to the elite circles of the palace or high-ranking bureaucracy. The presence of the tughra greatly enhances the historical and artistic significance of the object.

Technical Specifications
Object Type: Ottoman Period Coffee Cup Holder (Zarf)

Material: silver
Technique: Ajour (openwork), handcrafted
Period: Late 19th century – Early 20th century (Reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II)
Height: 6 cm
Mouth Diameter: 5 cm
Base Diameter: 2.5 cm
Weight: 46 grams

Marks:
Sultan’s Tughra (Sultan Abdulhamid II)
Silver assay mark (“Sah”)
Period-specific zigzag control hallmark

Function: Coffee cup holder (zarf) – likely used in palace or high-ranking bureaucratic settings
Condition: Good; minor surface wear in the ajour patterns
Uniqueness: Rare and collectible due to the presence of the imperial tughra



1850-1900 - Türkiye - Antique 

Ottoman Empire - Cup (2) - Cup Holder - .900 silver - Sultan Abdulhamid II

Indian & Islamic Art

Reserve price

No reserve price

Buy now

Closing date

Thursday

Saturday

tomorrow

Budget

From

Location

The Netherlands

Italy

France

Belgium

Hong Kong

United Kingdom

Germany

Spain

Sweden

Türkiye

Japan

Portugal

India

Switzerland

Greece

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Poland

Size

S (10–40 cm)

M (40–80 cm)

XS (under 10 cm)

L (over 80 cm)

Dimensions

Height

Width

Depth

Object

Asian art and objects

Necklace

Tribal textiles and clothing

Ring

Asian jewellery and adornments

Decorative ornament

Bracelet

Tribal jewellery and adornments

Statue

Asian sculptures statues carvings and figurines

Tribal masks

Buddhistic objects

Pendant

Earrings

Tapestry

Dagger

Teapot

Tribal art and objects

Asian traditional clothing and accessories

Thangka

Amulet

Clock

Singing bowl

Carpet

Figure

Country of origin

Nepal

Morocco

Asia

Turkmenistan

Afghanistan

Turkey

Egypt

Pakistan

Algeria

China

Sri Lanka

Tunisia

Uzbekistan

Unknown

Azerbaijan

Cambodia

Libya

Nigeria

Oman

Russia

Saudi Arabia

Material

Silver

Wood

Copper

Bronze

Brass

Metal

Cotton

Silk

Ceramic

Wool

Bone

Iron (cast/wrought)

Marble

Terracotta

Resin

Glass

Stone

Lacquered brass

Gold

Steel

Bakelite

Leather

Papier-mache

Mother of pearl

Amethyst

Gender

Unisex

Women

Condition

Good condition

Excellent condition

Fair condition

Good condition - used with some signs of wear

Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear

Excellent condition - barely used with minimal signs of wear

As new - unused

Very good condition - slightly used with small signs of wear

Good condition - used with small signs of ageing

Fair condition -  heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing

Fair condition - used with visible signs of wear

Good

Needs restoration

Overall in good condition

Vintage - used with visible signs of wear

Good condition, used with some signs of wear

Period

Late 20th century

Early 20th century

20th century

1980-1990

1850-1900

1970-1980

Late 19th century

Mid 20th century

British Raj (1858-1947)

1960-1970

1900-1910

1990-2000

21st century

1950-1960

2020+

Maratha Empire (1674-1818)

Portugese Goa (16th Century)

Qajar dynasty (1796–1925)

1910-1920

1930-1940

Late Ottoman period

Mid Ottoman period

1800-1850

1650-1700

2025

Coral

Turquoise

Carnelian

Mixed gemstones

Lapis lazuli

Certification

No laboratory report

Style

Antique

Vintage

Islamic

Folk Art

Signature

Original

Not signed

Signed

Colour

Brown

Beige

Watch movement

Impulse battery

Indian & Islamic Art

This object is no longer available, but there’s still lots to explore

Ottoman Empire - Cup (2) - Cup Holder - .900 silver - Sultan Abdulhamid II

Popular in Indian & Islamic Art

211 objects

Related collections