Lot 54
  • 54

A curtain for the tomb of the prophet (Hujrat al-qubr al-nabwi al-sharif) in Medina

Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 GBP
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Description

of square form, the pistachio green with silk ground applied with red, green and salmon pink silk panels, embroidered with silver metal threads with central hanging mosque lamp with pendant cartouche filled with inscriptions set within a pointed arch supported on columns with a pair of stylised candlesticks, the spandrels of the arch filled with foliate scrolls, a large oblong cartouche above filled with Qur'anic inscriptions, palmette borders above and below

Condition

Some wear and tear to the silk ground with associated repair, silk threads tarnished, slight discolouration of some of the coloured fields, the main field with some red and green staining, 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."

Catalogue Note

Inscriptions

Top panel: Qur'an, surah al-Ahzab (XXXIII), 45, followed by:  'The Most Supreme, the ever-Forgiving God told the truth'

In the hanging lamp, in mirrored form:  'O Opener [of all gates]!'

In the two green cartouches: wa radiya allah ta'ala 'an abi bakr wa 'umar wa 'uthman wa 'ali wa al-sahaba ajma'in
'And may The Mighty God be satisfied with Abi Bakr and 'Umar and 'Uthman and 'Ali and the Companions all of them'

In the tear-drop cartouche:
On the top: ya rasul allah
'O Messenger of God!'

In the middle band: mawlana al-sultan ahmad yatlib al-shafa'a
'Our Lord the Sultan seeks (Prophet's) intercession'

In the lower band: hadha al-mihrab al-nabawi
'This is the Prophet's mihrab'