An Ottoman Embroidered Silk Cover with the Tughra of 'Abd al Hamid II, Dated A.H. 1323/A.D. 1906-1907

of square form, silver and silver-gilt metal threads embroidered on a pistachio green ground, with a large central tughra with arched inscription and date above and further calligraphic elements alongside all contained within a large floral and foliate cartouche enriched with ribbons and scrolls, the whole enclosed within a red ground border with undulating scroll and rosette spandrels, a thuluth inscription band running along the bottom

Minor wear to the ground, some minor discolouration would benefit from a light clean, 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."

inscriptions
On the top: Qur'an surah Al 'Umran, (III), parts of 160.

Tughra of 'Abd al-Hamid II (1293-1327/1876-1909) with signature

In the band:

sana'at hadha al-raya min khuyut al-fidda wa al-dhahab bi-dar al-kiswah fi 'urwa ....... al-mubaraka li-amr amir al-mu'minin al-sultan al-ghazi 'abd al-hamid khan al-thani sana 1323

'This banner of silver and gold threads was made in the House of al-kiswa (coverings for the ka'ba) of the blessed... by the order of the Commander of the believers Sultan 'Abd al-Hamid Khan II [in the] year 1323 (A.D. 1906-1907)'

For a detailed and clear version of the tughra of 'Abd al Hamid II in découpage as it appears here including the epithet al-ghazi ('The Champion') and signed by Sami see Safwat 1996, p.200-2, no.141.