A rare Ottoman silk and metal-thread textile panel with tughra of Sultan Abdulaziz (r.1861-76), Turkey, 19th Century

of rectangular form, composed of red, green and gold silk sections, decorated with silver and silver-gilt metal threads featuring various Qur'anic inscriptions, four small roundels containing the names of the four caliphs, the tughra of Sultan Abdulaziz displayed in the central section under a dome amongst leafy scrolls, and between two sections featuring an abstract design of a mosque including two columns, a mosque lamp and an inscription within a laurel wreath crown, with a calligraphic border inside an outer green, geometric border, backed with cotton cloth

In general good condition, very few and minor tears to parts of silk, few slightly loose metal threads consistent with age, 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

Bearing the tughra of Sultan Abdulaziz (r.1861-76). The centre is decorated with a pear-shaped medallion including the Ayat al-Kursi in jali thuluth script. The dedicatory medallions on both sides of the cover state that the cover was commissioned by Sultan Abdulaziz. The framing border has been filled with verses from the Qur'an, including the first verse of the Surah al-Fath (XLVIII). The names of the four righteous caliphs are located in medallions on each corner of the inner cartouches.

Curtains of horizontal format bearing the tughra of the commissioning Sultan, in this case Sultan Abdulaziz (r.1861-76), are much rarer than those of vertical format.