How you can use this image
This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).
Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.
The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.
Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.
Notes
Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.
The bases of this cup and saucer are engraved with the tuğra of Abdülmecid (1823–1861), who succeeded his father Mahmud II as Ottoman sultan in 1839. Although committed to the reforms initiated by his father, Abdülmecid lacked the strength of mind and body to continue their successful implementation. At the same time, he placed considerable strain on the finances of the Empire by his extensive building projects and his extravagance in gratifying the demands of his harem. New palaces, including the Dolmabahçe, were filled with European furniture and objects in such quantities that in one year the bill paid by Abdülmecid to Küçükoğlu – an Armenian supplier of European merchandise – exceeded the amount spent on the Ottoman army in Thrace.
Title
Cup and Saucer
Date
c.1860
Medium
gold, opaque and translucent taille d’épargne & painted enamel
Accession number
564
Work type
Sculpture