An Important Curtain from the Tomb of the Prophet (Hujrat al-Qabr al-Nabawi al-Sharif) in Medina, Ottoman, Dated A.H. 12[0]8/A.D. 1793-1794

of rectangular form, the black silk ground applied with red and green panels, embroidered with silver and silver-gilt metal threads, with a central calligraphic mosque lamp with pendant flanked by half columns and framed by an archway with arabesque spandrels, bordered by calligraphic cartouches and roundels with an arcade of palmettes to the upper border

some patination and wear, overall in 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."

inscriptions
In the top cartouche: Qur'an, surah al-Hujurat (XLIX), 3.

In the second cartouche: A hadith of the Prophet.

In the long border cartouches: Qur'an, surah al-Hashr (LIX), 22-4.

In the roundels, including the one in the middle of the lower band: 

'God. Muhammad. Abu Bakr. 'Umar. 'Uthman. 'Ali. The Companions all of them'

In the lamp: in mirrored form: 'O The Opener [of all gates]!'

In the tear-drop hanging:

mawlana al-sultan salim khan ''azza allah nasruhu fi sana 12[0]8(Sic. 1208)

'Our Lord, Sultan Salim Khan - may God glorify his victory - in the year 12[0]8 [A.D.1793-4]' [N.B. the dot between the 1 and 2 seems to refer to the letter nun in sana]

In the two long cartouches in the lower border:

amara bi-'amal hadha al-sitarah al-mubarakah/ mawlana al-malik al-a'zam sultan salim khan/

'Our Lord, the Most Great King, Sultan Selim Khan ordered this blessed covering to be made'

Sultan Selim III reigned from A.H. 1203-1222 /A.D. 1789-1807.

A similar curtain dated A.H. 1209/A.D.1794-1795 sold at Christie's, 17 April 2007, lot 21. A curtain of related design in the Topkapi Palace Museum is from the reign of Muhammad IV (see Tezcan 1996, pp.118-120, no.47).