An Ottoman Drawing of a Peri, Turkey, 16th century

ink heightened with gold on paper, depicting a peri floating in loose-fitting robes, wearing a leafy hat, holding a long-necked flask and cup, laid down on an album page with inner gold-flecked blue borders, outer margins filled with flora and fauna in gold

In fairly good overall condition, some retouching to the face, horizontal crease to mid-section, 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."

The peri represents the "idyllic tranquility of the enchanted forest" (Atil 1987, p.102), and can be seen in this instance in her familiar garb of loose-fitting robes with flowing ribbons, holding a bottle in one hand and a cup in the other, with a leafy hat and wings, comparable to saz leaves.

A number of Ottoman drawings of peris exist as part of albums, including one in the Topkapi Saray Museum, two pages of which are published in ibid, pp.102-103, nos.48a & b. The present finely-executed example shares characteristics with both these drawings, in the treatment of both the face and hat of the former, and the wings and loose ribbons of the latter (attributed to the artist Velican). Other examples can be found in the Museé Jaquemart-André, Paris and the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington DC (see Petsopoulos1982, pp.196-7, nos.189-190), whilst a seated peri was in the collection of Edwin Binney III (published in E. Binney III, Turkish Treasures from the Collection of Edwin Binney III, Portland, 1979, pp.76-77, no.47).