Two Mamluk carved ivory ebony-mounted panels, Egypt, 15th century

the first of six-sided form carved in deep relief with a recessed design of a symmetrical arabesque formed of palmettes, split palmettes and feathered foliage, within a wood mount with ivory banded decoration; the second of pentagonal form carved in relief with a similarly formed symmetrical arabesque, mounted in wood decorated with micromosaic in ivory and wood.

small losses, 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."

These polygonal panels each formed a component in one of the magnificent doors, shutters and minbars that adorned the great mosques and mausolea of Mamluk Egypt. Panels related to the first example can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and the David Collection, Copenhagen (Atil 1981, pp.208-9, no.104; von Folsach 2001, p.257, no.409). A pentagonal panel in the David Collection, Copenhagen, is identical to the present pentagonal piece and clearly comes from the same piece of architectural furniture (von Folsach 2001, p.257, no.409).