An Ottoman silk embroidered turban cover, Ottoman Empire,

silk embroidered in cross stitch and pulled work on fine undyed ivory linen

Silk embroidery in colors generally intact with losses to dark browns due to oxidation. Most embroidery in cross stitch with unusual ivory silk pulled stitch work in the interiors of each crimson pomegranate. Dark browns have run into linen ground in places, possibly due to an abrasive cleanser or to replaced dark browns being a fugitive dye. Some pencil/pen design marks visible where browns have disappeared. Linen ground with stains, holes and water marks. Linen very fine and gauze-like. Unlined, so will enhance with careful cleaning, conservation and mounting.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The design of pomegranate sprays here appears to be unusual in the published repertoire of Ottoman embroideries.  A coverlet embroidered with a design entirely of undulating pomegranate branches, in the Berry collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, is one comparable piece, see Gentles, Margaret, Turkish and Greek Island Embroideries, Chicago, 1964, pl. 13.  The overall design scheme of the present embroidery is shared with a turban cover in the Victoria and Albert Museum, see Ellis, Marianne and Jennifer Wearden, Ottoman Embroidery, London, 2001, pl. 39.  An embroidered cover fragment in the Textile Museum has similar serrated blue leaves although they alternate with larger red leaves instead of the pomegranates on the present lot, please see Krody, Sumru Belger, Flowers of Silk & Gold, Washington, D.C., 2000, pl. 15, pp 114-115.