An Album of Ottoman Court Drawings (Kiyafet), Turkey, circa 1660

Gouache heightened with gold on paper, 70 leaves each with one a character drawing of an Ottoman notable, ruled in various colours and silver, most with identifying inscriptions beneath in Naskh script in black ink, in later leather binding with 'Costumes Ottomans' gilt stamped on the spine  

In good overall condition, pages generally clean and colours vivid and gold bright, occasional minor stains, 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."

During the seventeenth century, albums depicting members of Ottoman society from all ranks and backgrounds were often commissioned by foreign visitors to the Empire as both touristic records of their travels, as well as informative tools for European governments. The existence of inscriptions beneath the paintings in Ottoman Turkish (and on one occasion, French) in the present album, identifying the characters bears out this hypothesis. Although they were often roughly drawn, they were accurate representations. A comparable album was in the collections of Jean pozzi and Edwin Binney III (see Binny 1979, pp.98-101, no.62).