Ottoman Empire Harem Lock
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This beautiful and ingenious lock secured the doors to an Ottoman sultan's harem
Key Features
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- This opulent lock once secured the doors to an Ottoman sultan's harem
- Intricate gilt bronze calligraphy envelope the entire lock and the key
- The calligraphy translates to a prayer protecting the inhabitants of the harem
- This ingenious lock requires the key and precise manipulation, like a puzzle, to successfully open
- A similar lock, without the calligraphy, secures the doors of the Ka'aba in Mecca
- Circa 1800
- Lock: 12" length; Key: 7 1/4" length
Item Details
- Period:
19th Century - Origin:
Other
This large and incredibly ornate inlaid gilt bronze lock and key was made for and almost certainly used to lock the entrance to a harem in a wealthy Ottoman nobleman's home. A lock and key of such extraordinary artistry and technical brilliance is not only a rarity on the market, but a true work of art. Islamic culture is renowned for their mastery of calligraphy, and this entire piece, including the key, is covered on all sides with this exquisite art form. The wording is a passage from the Koran warning intruders that the inhabitants were protected by God's blessings, ensuring that the inhabitants were safe from the "dangers" of the outside world.
The fully functional mechanism is as ingenious as it is beautiful, for whoever were to find the key, would also have to know the secret way in which to open it. Not only must the key be inserted in the correct slot, but the lock must be manipulated, much like a puzzle, to successfully open it. An expression of tremendous wealth and meticulous craftsmanship, the chance to acquire such a magnificent relic is almost unheard of, making this lock exceptionally rare.
Before the foundation of the Turkish Republic in 1923, many women still lived in harems. Harems were the separate and protected part of the household where women, children and, servants lived in maximum seclusion and privacy. Royal harems would serve not only the immediate family but society in general. Members of the harem were highly trained in palace etiquette and decorum. All female members of Ottoman harems were instructed in the Turkish language and culture. Potential candidates as consorts to the sultan were taught to read and write, as well as instructed in music. The word harem means "forbidden because it is sacred and important," demystifying the belief that the women within were oppressed or imprisoned and elevating their status to that of sacred, exclusive, and exceptional. A woman who completed her service in the harem was matched with a man who was raised in a parallel structure to the harem, known as the Enderun School, which trained future bureaucrats. These couples were role models representing the elite of society.
A similar lock, without the calligraphy, actually protects the most holy site in Islam, the doors of the Ka'aba in Mecca.
Circa 1800
Lock: 12" length
Key: 7 1/4" length
The fully functional mechanism is as ingenious as it is beautiful, for whoever were to find the key, would also have to know the secret way in which to open it. Not only must the key be inserted in the correct slot, but the lock must be manipulated, much like a puzzle, to successfully open it. An expression of tremendous wealth and meticulous craftsmanship, the chance to acquire such a magnificent relic is almost unheard of, making this lock exceptionally rare.
Before the foundation of the Turkish Republic in 1923, many women still lived in harems. Harems were the separate and protected part of the household where women, children and, servants lived in maximum seclusion and privacy. Royal harems would serve not only the immediate family but society in general. Members of the harem were highly trained in palace etiquette and decorum. All female members of Ottoman harems were instructed in the Turkish language and culture. Potential candidates as consorts to the sultan were taught to read and write, as well as instructed in music. The word harem means "forbidden because it is sacred and important," demystifying the belief that the women within were oppressed or imprisoned and elevating their status to that of sacred, exclusive, and exceptional. A woman who completed her service in the harem was matched with a man who was raised in a parallel structure to the harem, known as the Enderun School, which trained future bureaucrats. These couples were role models representing the elite of society.
A similar lock, without the calligraphy, actually protects the most holy site in Islam, the doors of the Ka'aba in Mecca.
Circa 1800
Lock: 12" length
Key: 7 1/4" length
