An Ottoman Painted and Gilt Ceiling, Turkey, Probably 17th Century

of hexagonal form with central panel composed of discrete polygonal sections assembled into a geometric design with a central star-burst surrounded by six further stars and star-formed corner pieces each centred with a boss, central element with an attached tulip form pendant moulding carved in the round and gilt, painted with floral sprays, the border painted en suite with floral scroll including carnations, tulips and rosettes

overall in good condition, minor losses, painted decoration rubbed in places, small repair, areas of loss to gilding, rebacked and mounted on reinforced plywood, 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 geometrical composition derives from Qur'ans of the late Mamluk period, but many of the painted designs are distinctly Ottoman, in particular the floral elements of the tulip and the carnation which entered the Ottoman decorative vocabulary in the sixteenth century and continued into the seventeenth century. The use of contrasting shades and colours adds depth and drama to the decoration. There are related panels in situ in seventeenth-century buildings in Istanbul.