- 29
An important Ottoman carved calligraphic wood panel, Turkey, 17th/18th century
Estimate
45,000 - 55,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Wood
carved in relief with cartouches, panels and roundels containing calligraphic inscriptions, between stylised foliate motifs, with a deeply carved frame designed with a stylised foliate border, vestiges of gold and polychrome paint
Condition
In fairly good condition, with minor chips to external edges of some pieces of wood, rubbing to surface resulting in some losses to original paint, set within a custom perspex box with removable lid, the frame probably added in the 18th century, the panel and the frame have traces of gilding, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
inscriptions
In the two wide panels, repeat of: Qur’an, chapter XLVIII (al-fath), part of verse 27.
In the middle (two lines): Qur’an, chapter II (al-baqara), part of verse 255.
In the small middle roundel: ‘God suffice me’
In the two side roundels: ‘God is my Lord’
In the side panels, repeat of: Qur’an, chapter I (al-fatiha), verse 1 and part of verse 7.
The combination and layout of the Qur'anic surahs and the shapes of the cartouches and roundels closely correspond with those executed on the curtains intended for the main door of the Ka’ba (Burqa), for example, see lot 26. The present panel is composed of seven separate parts, probably from a large door, which at a later date in the Ottoman period were joined together to make this panel, which was then framed and gilded, resulting in a piece both highly decorative as well as sacred.
In the two wide panels, repeat of: Qur’an, chapter XLVIII (al-fath), part of verse 27.
In the middle (two lines): Qur’an, chapter II (al-baqara), part of verse 255.
In the small middle roundel: ‘God suffice me’
In the two side roundels: ‘God is my Lord’
In the side panels, repeat of: Qur’an, chapter I (al-fatiha), verse 1 and part of verse 7.
The combination and layout of the Qur'anic surahs and the shapes of the cartouches and roundels closely correspond with those executed on the curtains intended for the main door of the Ka’ba (Burqa), for example, see lot 26. The present panel is composed of seven separate parts, probably from a large door, which at a later date in the Ottoman period were joined together to make this panel, which was then framed and gilded, resulting in a piece both highly decorative as well as sacred.
It is possible that this panel was once part of a door made for the Holy Ka'ba in Mecca, or an associated mosque, perhaps the Haram al-Nabawi al-Sharif in Medina. The layout of the calligraphic fields can be closely compared to a metal-thread embroidered Ka'ba curtain sold in these rooms, 5 April 2006, lot 20.