SHOWCASE 25. TURKISH ARMS AND ARMOUR OF THE 16TH - 17TH CENTURIES

The showcase represents articles executed by Turkish makers of the 16t -17th centuries, i.e. cold steel and firearms, precious objects and accessories. 

According to 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—horse harness, jewellery, rich fabrics and ceremonial weapons—dates back to the 15th-17th 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 having appeared.

Turkish makers were skilled at inlaying such objects as ceremonial maces, six-flanged maces and flanged maces made of rock crystal, jade and agate with gold and precious stones. Techniques and motifs typical of the Turkish ornamentation were used for decorating weapons and accessories, for example, an engraved stylized floral ornament combined with a niello pattern and precious stones.