A spectacular 18th century Armenian Ottoman filigree partially gilt silver incense burner (bukhurdan).
The unusal form consists of an architecture-like structure consisting of two hinged halves of a globular form with six gilt tangential ovals adorned with enameled starshapes with central turquoize beads. The top half of the body resembles a byzantine dome with a central lantern-like top surmounted by a gilt double crescent shape and ending with 6 corner turrets surmounted by typical gilt crescent finials. 3 gilt scrolls connect the body to a 12 lobed circular richly decorated filigree base.
As all Ottoman filigree pieces, there are no assay scrapes, tughras, or sah marks.
Diameter of Base : 19.5 cm.
Total Height: 20 cm