An important early curtain from the tomb of the Prophet (Hujrat al-qabr al-nabawi al-sharif) in Medina, Ottoman, period of Sultan Ahmet III (r.1703-1730)

of square form, the pistachio green silk ground applied with red, green and salmon pink silk panels embroidered with silver metal threads with a central calligraphic mosque lamp with pendant cartouche filled with inscriptions flanked by columns and a palmette bordered arch decorated with split-palmette scrolls, rectangular cusped calligraphic cartouche above

tears and abrasions and some staining to the coloured silk ground, metal threads detached in places with some losses, recent museum conservation, rebacked, as viewed
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

inscriptions

In the top cartouche: sura al-Ahzab (XXXIII), 45.

In the two cartouches: 'And may The Mighty God be pleased with Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman, 'Ali and all the companions'

In the roundel:

ya rasul allah/ mawlana al-sultan ahmad ..../ hadha mihrab al-nabawi

An invocation to the Prophet, followed by the name of Sultan Ahmad and 'This is the Prophet's mihrab'