Two silk and metal-thread embroidered Bohça (wrapping cloths), Ottoman

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Measurements: Panel with flowering trails: 111cm across the top, 111cm across the bottom, 112cm along the left side, 111cm along the right side Lined with panel of unbleached cotton (stained and marked) and edged with beige silk bands. Comprised of two joined vertical panels, with the design embroidered over the join. Some losses to the metal thread of floral elements, and some colour run to the edges of the brown stems. Some stains. Panel with overall Boteh motifs: 99cm across the top, 98cm across the bottom, 103cm along the left side, 102cm along the right side; comprised of two vertically joined panels, with some boteh motifs worked over the join. There are some lines of lighter colour intentionally within the weave of cerise silk ground. Some losses to thread on the outer surround and to some of elements of the boteh, in places. There is a minor dark stain and small repair in red thread to edge of boteh motif centre of the far right hand side. Lined with unbleached cotton panel edged with olive green linen bands, with stains and marks to the cotton. Striking. Evocative pieces.
"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."

The bohça (wrapping cloth) along with embroidered textiles were an integral part of Ottoman daily life and used for formal occasions in public for wrapping and presentation of objects. They were conventionally square woven cloths decorated overall, with stylised and repeat motifs. From the 18^th century onwards the variety of designs were limitless. One of the present lot being reminiscent of Central Asian Susani.  

For comprehensive discussion of the subject and examples of comparable embroideries, including wrapping cloths (Bohça): see Krody, Sumru Belger, Flowers of Silk and Gold, Four Centuries of Ottoman Embroidery, The Textile Museum, Washington, 2000, p.120, nos.20 & 21 and Taylor, Roderick, Ottoman Embroidery, London, 1993, pp.106-109, Chp. 2. The Embroidered Textiles, pp.25-139, Wrappers, pp.113-121 and Jennifer Wearden and Marianne Ellis, Ottoman Embroidery, pp.14-15, pp.90-93., pl.76-80.