An Ottoman silk and metal-thread embroidered barber's apron (berber futasi)

The fine wool ground with chainstitch silk embroidered flowering baskets and wrapped silvered metal stems and outlines to baskets; tears and repaired tears in ground; collar and neck opening sewn together now, with added metal thread ribbons; minor splits in neck area and color; scattered spot stains. Old silk backing sewn to reverse, some stains. Sound fabric and will benefit from some careful cleaning and mending.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This lot shows the effect of increasing European influence on Ottoman embroidery during the eighteenth century, as the strong colors of the sixteenth and seventeenth century gave way to more pastel hues and naturalistic drawing. The toned shading within an area of color is an attractive characteristic of these eighteenth-century embroideries. Comparable silk and metal thread-embroidered barber aprons were sold Sotheby's London 8 October 2008, lot 338, 11 October 2006, lot 150 and 12 April, 1989, lot 378.