A Pair of Ottoman silver-gilt and embroidered velvet noble lady's boots and ceremonial silk cap, Turkey, 19th Century

the pair of red velvet-heeled ladies boots with embroidered silver-gilt floral motifs across the body, the domed silk cap decorated with silver and gold metal threads with foliate decoration, the interior with mathematical number sheets

The shoes in good condition, some wear consistent with use and age, minor tear on one of them, the hat in good condition, two small areas of staining, 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."

This distinctive domed cap probably belonged to a Sufi, as attested by the mathematical numbers written on sheets and pasted on the interior which possibly represent magical figures. It is also interesting to compare this cap to one depicted on a miniature attributed to the artist Shaykh-Zadeh, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Inv. no. 57.51.27), which features the portrait of a Sufi in his ceremonial outfit (published in: New York 1987, pp.94-95, no.71).