An Ottoman silk and metal thread curtain, circa 1900

of rectangular form, the black ground embroidered with silver and silver-gilt metal threads, with a monumental calligraphic cartouche flanked by smaller green-ground cartouches and red-ground calligraphic bands, the interstices with strapwork and scrolls

some small damages to the textile ground, overall good condition, 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 four border roundels: 'God is my Lord'

In two border roundels: 'God sufficeth me'

In the long border cartouches: Qur'an, surah al-Baqara (II), 255 and: 'God the Mighty told the truth and His Messenger told the truth and giving warning and glad tidings and may God bless Muhammad our Master and his family and his companions all of them'

In the central panel: Qur'an, surah al-Fath (XLVIII), a part of 27.

A similar curtain of horizontal format dated 1880-1881 is in the collection of the Topkapi Saray (see Tezcan 1996, p.57).