Dancing Dervish Appraisal

Whirling Dervish Figurine

This appears to be a porcelain or ceramic figurine depicting a Mevlevi Dervish, commonly known as a Whirling Dervish. The figure is rendered in a solid, matte white finish, suggesting unglazed bisque porcelain or a similar ceramic material. It is a single, molded piece, with no visible seams or joins, indicating good craftsmanship. The figure is in a dynamic pose, characteristic of the Sema ritual, with arms outstretched, one palm facing upwards and the other downwards, symbolizing receiving from God and giving to humanity. The head is tilted slightly upwards, and the features of the face are subtly defined, conveying a sense of spiritual contemplation or ecstasy. The figure wears the distinctive attire of a Dervish, including the tall, conical felt hat known as a 'sikke' and a flowing robe (tennure) which appears to billow slightly at the base, although the full extent of the skirt isn't perfectly clear from the image. The folds and draping of the clothing are well-sculpted, adding to the sense of movement. There are no obvious signs of chips, cracks, or repairs visible in the provided image. The overall condition appears to be excellent, with a clean and uniform white surface. No maker's marks, signatures, or specific manufacturing details are discernible in the image. Based on its style and material, it likely dates from the mid-to-late 20th century or possibly early 21st century. The simplicity of color and form highlights the religious and cultural significance of the subject, making it an elegant and contemplative decorative piece.