Turkish, Turkey

This small table presents a convergence of global resources. Seven stars are set with mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell, historically imported from the Indian Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Inlays of African or Asian elephant ivory and bone embellish the archways between the legs. The six-pointed stars are reminiscent of the Star of David and Seal of Solomon—David (AS) and Solomon (AS), ancient kings of Israel, are prophets in Islam. Although this example is tiny compared to the table used as a prop in adjacent photographs, its craftsmanship and inclusion of imported materials would have made it a valuable commodity at the time of its making.