Canteen
A special type of metal objects from Turkey are canteens used for water or sherbet. These could be made from a variety of metals, but often they were made of finely worked silver and gold. Decorated with motifs popular in the period, these canteens were referred to as ‘flasks with shoulders’ because of their shape.
Sultans traditionally carried a ceremonial sword and canteen made by a master craftsman. The canteen was usually made of gold and contained purified drinking water, an ancient Turkish custom that can be traced back to the Turkish nomadic roots. The sword and canteen were the Ottoman equivalent of the crown and orb used by European royalty.
Soldiers and civilians also used canteens, but these were usually made of silver with filigree decoration.
A special type of metal objects from Turkey are canteens used for water or sherbet. These could be made from a variety of metals, but often they were made of finely worked silver and gold. Decorated with motifs popular in the period, these canteens were referred to as ‘flasks with shoulders’ because of their shape.
Sultans traditionally carried a ceremonial sword and canteen made by a master craftsman. The canteen was usually made of gold and contained purified drinking water, an ancient Turkish custom that can be traced back to the Turkish nomadic roots. The sword and canteen were the Ottoman equivalent of the crown and orb used by European royalty.
Soldiers and civilians also used canteens, but these were usually made of silver with filigree decoration.