A Heritage Reflecting the Elegant Culture of the Ottoman Empire; Incensory and Rosewater Sprinkler Specimens in Bitlis Ethnography Museum

Abstract

The aim of this study to analyze incensories and rosewater sprinklers specifically, as well as their development phases within the ethnographic artifacts and at the same time, introduce incensory and rosewater sprinklers of Ottoman period as displayed in Bitlis Ethnography Museum. In line with this aim, 5 incensory artifacts, 4 rosewater sprinkler artifacts and 1 incense-stick holder exhibited in the museum have been analyzed with respect to the aspects of form, material, technique and ornamentation. Analyzed as catalog form the artifacts examined in this study have also been compared with similar Ottoman specimens exhibited in other museums or collections. It was thus intended to unveil their place with regard to cultural heritage and artistic aspects. To sum up, the result of this study showed that motifs of these artifacts structured with copper and brass metals were created by employing openwork and engrave techniques and such motifs were predominantly visible in the lid and body sections of examined artifacts. Herbal motifs applied in decoration program not only reflect the period when these artifacts were structured, but they also transfer the characteristics of a style today that follows a parallel line with the development route of the art of Turkish mining art style.