Ottoman marquetry and tile-top table. Tukey, Iznik and Istanbul. About 1560.

This little table is a rare example of Ottoman court furniture. The sides and legs are faced with ebony with inlaid decoration in boldly contrasting materials, while the top is made from a single twelve-sided tile. Many polygonal tiles of this type survive, but this is the only example still forming part of a table.

In Ottoman palaces, guests sat on a low bench, or divan, built against the wall. Trays of food and drink were set before them, resting on tables of this type.

Wood faced with ebony, with inlay of ivory and mother-of-pearl; fritware painted under the glaze.

Museum no. C.19-1987