A large and impressive Ottoman silk and metal-thread ka'aba cloth (Burqa), Turkey, Dated 1228 AH/1813-14 AD

of rectangular form with a door slip in the centre, decorated with silver and gilt-metal threads embroidered on black and coloured silk ground with calligraphic rectangular and circular cartouches with garlands in the background and six palm trees each within an archway along the bottom

Some discoloration to silk and metallic threads, some small tears and loose threads on parts of silk ground, metallic threads still bright and with shine, general good condition, 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."

inscriptions 

With the name of the Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II (r.1808-39) and the date 1228 AH/ 1813-14 AD.

In the 8 roundels in the borders:  allahu rabbi  'God is my Lord'

In the 3 middle roundels:  allahu hasbi  'God suffices me'

In the border cartouches:  Qur'an, chapter I (al-Fatiha)

In the two top border cartouches:  Qur'an, chapter CXII (al-Ikhlas)

In the top panel: Qur'an, chapter XVII (al-Isra'), verse 80

In the four vertical cartouches:  The Bismillah in mirrored form

In the four horizontal cartouches:  Qur'an, chapter II (al-Baqara), verse 255.

In the wide panel between the above:  Qur'an, chapter XLVIII (al-Fath), part of verse 27.

In the two large roundels: Qur'an, chapter CXII (al-Ikhlas) with the word 'God' and 'Muhammad' in their centres.

In the cartouche between the two roundels: 
amara bi-'amal hadhihi al-burda al-sharifa mawlana al-sultan al-mughazi mahmud khan khallad allah khalafatahu sana 1228
'Our Lord the Warrior Sultan Mahmud Khan ordered the making of this noble cover [in] the year 1228 (1813)'

In the two panels underneath the above panel:  Qur'an, chapter CVI (Quraysh).

In the sides of the opening: Repeat of the shahada and 'There is no god but God, the King, the Truth that makes all things manifest' and 'Muhammad is the Messenger of God, True to promise, the one worthy of Trust'

Around the opening: Qur'an, chapter CXII (al-Ikhlas).

The four walls of the Ka'aba, the holiest site in Islam, are covered with a curtain (kiswa) with the shahada outlined in the weave, and about two thirds of the way up runs a gold embroidered band (hizam) covered with Qur'anic verses. Over the door is a curtain (sitara or burqa) and inside the Ka'aba are other textiles, including the Bab al-Tawba, or curtain door leading to the roof and various colourful textiles with chevron designs (London 2012, p.257). The present curtain would have been intended for use over the door (see Fig. 1) and is impressive in its size and workmanship.

This particular curtain is comparable to a number of similar examples in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art. A particularly relevant example from the Khalili collection is currently on view at the British Museum for the Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam exhibition (inv. nos. TXT 406, illustrated in London 2012, p.261, fig.204). It is dated 1263 AH/1846-7 AD, and decorated with a composition consisting of rectangular, oval and round calligraphic panels, with a door opening to the centre and stylised palm trees along the base.