An Ottoman voided velvet and metal thread (çatma) cushion cover (minder), Bursa or Istanbul, Turkey,

Velvet in good condition with very minor foldwear at each end. Very small remnants of metal thread in voided areas, now mostly abraded down to ground. Small repaired slits in centre palmette and a few darned repaired holes in upper left palmette and in upper right end. Some abrasions along edges and on the outer sides of the palmettes at each end of the field and in the lampet ends. Original sides with ivory plain weave folded under; ends with remnants of original plain weave, generally clipped then folded under. Sewn to silk lining on reverse. Good overall condition.
"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."

Comparable examples which display the carnation and tulip stem details within the carnation petals, and similar lappet design include a minder in the Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul inv. no. 13/1467, illustrated in Gürsu, Nevber, The Art of Turkish Weaving, Istanbul, 1988, no. 192, p. 172, and in Colnaghi, Imperial Ottoman Textiles, London, 1980, p.19 and two similar cushion covers, sold Bonham's London, Islamic and Indian Art, 28 April 2005, (lots 459 and 460).  The motif is again found on a pair of joined panels in the Deutches Textilmuseum, Krefeld, inv.no.16233, see: Erber, Christian, A Wealth of Silk and Velvet, Bremen, 1993, no. G 10/3, pp. 182-183.