Ottoman Turkish Harem Shoes

Pair of Silver-Mounted, Velvet-lined Wooden Harem Shoes

Ottoman Turkey

18th century

length: 25cm each; height of platform: 8.5cm

Probably from Istanbul and almost certainly eighteenth century, this pair of red velvet and repoussed silver over wood platform shoes would have been designed for a harem (and most probably not a hamam on account of the presence of velvet.)

The platform feet taper outwards giving the shoes good proportions and an elegant appearance.

They are extensively covered in silver plaques that have been repoussed with typically Ottoman silverwork designs showing flowers, perhaps roses, amid scrolling, open-work foliage. All of the plaques are present although they show obvious signs of wear and use. They have been affixed over the velvet and to the wood beneath by means of small silver nails.

Provenance

acquired in the UK.

Inventory no.: 1548

SOLD