An Ottoman voided silk velvet and metal thread (catma) panel, Bursa or Istanbul, Turkey

the voided ground patterned in crimson velvet, with an ogival lattice of prunus blossom enclosing metal thread stylised palm trees, the border with velvet and metal thread star-shaped rosettes flanked by confronting tulips

Colour less orange than in the photograph. Red is a darker hue, not as strident, more burgundy. Areas of motifs appearing as yellow in hue are a light golden colour in reality. Metal to this motifs is lacking, loose, or tarnished. Comprised of two joined loom width sections. Central join, losing approx. 1cm. of design. Wear along this vertical join, but not as dark as appears as photographic lighting shadow in the catalogue photograph. Wear along centre horizontally, as visible from the photograph, probably old fold damage. Stains in areas, especially to the right side edge in photograph (yellow area in border), which is not as obvious in reality, as subtle colour. Other areas of discolouration. Worn condition overall and repairs to ground, visible couched thread sections. (See also detailed picture - pages 190-191 in catalogue). Original selvedges, visible to long vertical edges (worn and distressed), and with remnants of the outer red guard strip along the horizontal edges. Sewn onto a beige cotton ground temporarily attached to board. Would benefit from some attention generally and from an alternative hanging method.
"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."

A fragment of identical design is found in the Royal Museums of Art and History, Brussels, cat. V.2.20, and illustrated in D. De Jonge, The Ottoman Silk Textiles of the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels, Turnhout, 2004, p. 90. Another nearly identical panel was sold in these rooms, Islamic Works of Art, Carpet and Textiles, 10th and 11th October 1990, lot 601. The same field design, although with a different border is again found on a fragment in the Kunstmuseum, Dusseldorf (C. Erber, Reich an Samt und Seide, 1993, p. 168). For other comparable examples please see D. King , Imperial Ottoman Textiles, Colnaghi Exhibition Catalogue, no. 20 and Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Works of Art, 11th October 200, lot 646.