An Ottoman silk and metal-thread curtain, with the tughra of Sultan Mahmud II (r. A.H. 1223-55/A.D. 1808-39), A.H. 1239/A.D. 1823-4

of rectangular form, the black silk ground applied with red and ochre silk panels embroidered with silver and silver-gilt metal threads, with central calligraphic inscription under an lobed arch and flanked by spiralling columns, the bottom with the tughra of Sultan Mahmud II surrounded by foliate motifs, the top with two roundels, decorated with ribbons throughout, framed by three bands containing calligraphic cartouches, geometric patterns and palmettes

Minor fraying throughout, especially to the applied panels. Very faint discolouration and very minor loss of embroidered thread throughout. Matted on a modern backing. 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 red cartouches of the outer band, repetition of:

shifa'at shifa'at ya sayyidi ya rasul allah

'Intercede! Intercede! O Lord! O Messenger of God!'

In the small black cartouches, repetition of the name of the Sultan:  'Mahmud Khan'

In the cartouches of the inner band:

amara bi-'amal hadhahi al-sitarah al-sharifah huwa mawlana / al-sultan al-ghazi mahmud khan ibn al-sultan / al-ghazi 'abd al-hamid khan ibn al-sultan / ahmad khan ibn al-sultan muhammad khan ibn al-sultan/ Ibrahim khan ibn al-sultan murad khan al 'uthman khallad allah ta'ala mulkihi amin sana 1239

'He ordered the making of this Noble cover [and] he is our lord the conqueror Sultan Mahmud Khan son of the conqueror Sultan 'Abd al-Hamid Khan son of al-Sultan Ahmad Khan son of al-Sultan Muhammad Khan son of al-Sultan Ibrahim Khan son of al-Sultan Murad Khan [of] the family 'Uthman may the almighty God make his dominion eternal, Amen! The year 1239 (A.D. 1823-4)'

In the centre: Qur'an, surah Yusif (XII), a part of 64.

The signature of Sultan Mahmud in tughra form:

'Mahmud the conqueror son of 'Abd al-Hamid wrote it'