Golden Cradle

This golden cradle was made in the 18th century.

It is an Ottoman piece. Its body is made of wood. The wood is covered with gold. It is also decorated with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. These stones show how important a newborn prince was in the palace.

When an Ottoman prince was born, three different cradles were made for him. One was prepared in the name of the sultan. One was prepared in the name of the sultan’s mother. One was prepared in the name of the grand vizier, the highest state officer after the sultan.

The treasury master was in charge of this work. He made sure the cradles were prepared in the right way. Each cradle came with a duvet and an embroidered sheet. Then the cradles were brought to the palace for the birth ceremony.

This cradle was made in the palace workshop after the birth of a prince. It is a rare piece. Very few objects like this have survived until today.