Showcase 25. Turkish weapons of the XVIth to XVIIth centuries

The showcase represents articles executed by Turkish makers of the XVI-XVIIth centuries, i.e. cold steel and firearms, precious utensils and accessories.

According to the etiquette diplomatic and trade relations between Russia and Turkey were confirmed by precious gifts, brought to Moscow by merchants and ambassadors. The most part of the displayed exhibits, i.e. horse harness, jewellery, rich fabrics and ceremonial weapons, dates from the XVth-XVIIth centuries, the time when the Ottoman Empire was at the height of its power. All the articles, richly decorated with all types of artistic metalworking and inlaid with precious stones, are pieces of delicate workmanship.

Turkish makers were skilled at inlaying with gold and precious stones such objects as ceremonial maces, shestopyors and pernates made of rock crystal, jade and agate. Methods and motifs typical of the Turkish ornamentation were used for decoration of weapons and accessories, for example, an engraved stylized floral ornament combined with a blacked pattern and precious stones.