Ottoman Silver Zarf with Tughra and Gilt Interior

A decorated silver zarf, from the Arabic for “vessel”, made to hold the hot porcelain cup in which Turkish coffee is served. The form appears in countless styles and decorative treatments across the Middle East; this example dates to the late nineteenth century, Ottoman period Turkey.

The silver is of .900 purity with a gilt interior, and is hallmarked with the Sultan's tugra seal together with the assayer's saf purity seal. It stands approximately 45 mm high and weighs about 18 grams.