TWO STENCILLED SILHOUETTE PAPER LEAVES WITH FLORAL BORDERS, TURKEY, OTTOMAN, CIRCA 1600

Stencilled designs on paper

Pink stencil, generally good condition with some slight discoloration around the outer edges, some slight fraying at the upper and lower edges, a small loss at the upper right corner. Some small spots of staining. As viewed. Green stencil, overall good condition, slight discoloration of the bottom right corner. Few stains. Small tear at the bottom left corner. 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 two leaves are rare and interesting examples of a style of stencilled border design known as "silhouette paper" that was employed in Ottoman manuscripts from the 16th century onwards. The prototypes for this type of border can be found in the work of the great Ottoman illuminator Karamemi (fl.1545-66), who illuminated the borders of manuscripts with floral designs in a striking manner, for example, in a famous manuscript of the Diwan-i Muhibbi of 1565-6 made for Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent (see Atasoy 2002, pp.134-139). The "silhouette paper" borders employ a similar vocabulary of ornament, but use a distinctive method of stencilling. Very close comparisons to the present leaves can be seen in two manuscripts of the late 16th century, one in the Kunstsammlung der Veste Coburg, and another in the Landesbibliothek und Murhardsche Bibliothek, Kassel (see Frankfurt 1985, nos.1/103 and 1/104), and one of the 17th century in the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris (see Guesdon and Vernay-Nouri 2001, no.77, p.107). For a volume of folios with almost identical designs, although of slightly smaller format, see sale in these rooms, 10 October 1988, lot 147. For further discussion see Haemmerle 1961.