A rare Mamluk or early Ottoman carved marble panel, Egypt, 14th-16th century

of circular form carved in low relief and painted in polchrome and gold with a central octagon enclosing four small inturned trefoliate motifs encircled by a large rosette-medallion with petals formed by interlaced stems, the outer field with radiating stylised palmette forms framed by scimitar-like half-palmette leaves forming cartouches with overlapping and interlaced stems, the interstices of the design with further scrolls and leaves, the narrow border with painted trefoils

intact, some chips to the edges and small knocks and abrasions, re-painted, overall good condition, 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."

Stylistic parallels can be found in a number of Mamluk buildings in Cairo: the carved openwork stone screens in the courtyard of the madrasa-khanaqah of amir Sanjar (1303-4); the high-relief roundels flanking the portal of the mosque of sultan Hasan (1356-61); and the stone minbar of Qaitbay (1483) in the mosque-khanqah of sultans Farag and Barquq. The addition of gilding and polychrome recalls the building projects of Qaitbay (1468-96) and Qansuh al-Ghuri (1501-16) in particular (see Atil 1981, no.110, p.217).  A related marble panel, circa 1475-1500, also showing traces of paint and gilding, is in the Jameel Gallery at the V&A (inv. no.A.99-1930).