Lot 239
  • 239

An Ottoman silk and metal-thread curtain, with the tughra of Sultan Abdulmecid (r.1839-1861), mid-19th century

Estimate
18,000 - 25,000 GBP
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Description

  • silk with metal threads
of rectangular form, the silver and gilt threads on a red silk ground with inscriptive roundels and cartouches on green, cream and black grounds, featuring the tughra of Sultan Abdulmecid (r.1839-1961) between laurel wreaths and leafy vegetation within a border of foliate motifs and outer border or roundels containing inscriptions

Condition

In fairly good condition, some oxidisation to gilt and silver threads, some threads, particularly along the central horizontal folding lines are bent and twisted, some loose threads, the silk ground with some ware and discoloration, sown onto a linen backing with velcro at the top and sides for hanging, as viewed. (red silk ground composed of two pieces of cloth sown together)
"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 borders: Attributes of God

In the two vertical cartouches: Qur’an, chapter II, (al-baqarah), verse 255

In the central cartouche: A hadith of the Prophet: 'Between my tomb and my pulpit is a garden from gardens of Paradise’

In the two small roundels: The shahadah

In the six small cartouches: The names of the Four Orthodox Caliphs and Hasan and Husayn

In the two black cartouches: Qur’an, chapter XXXIII (al-ahhzab), verses 45-47