Ottoman zarf coffee cup

This jewelled coffee cup holder (known as a zarf) is remarkable for its method of manufacture. Of rounded form widening to a cusped rim, it stands delicately on a splayed foot. The entire cup is fashioned from gold, done in the openwork technique, and set with a combination of table-cut rubies and rose-cut diamonds arranged in a foliate scroll design. Smaller diamonds are set into the scroll itself, which terminates in a cluster of three large diamonds, while the rubies have been cut specifically to fill the remaining space. Both the time and cost involved in manufacturing this cup speaks to the wealth of the patron for whom it was commissioned. Jewelled objects such as this zarf became increasingly popular at the Ottoman court in the 13th AH/19th century CE. Jewelled incense burners, rose-water bottles, and cigarette cases represent only a few similarly decorated objects that adorned the wealthy homes of the Ottoman elite. Often done in a European fashion, objects like this were also believed to have been made in Europe for export. This cup, however, was probably made at a royal workshop in Istanbul, where European craftsmen were also employed at the time.