A Portuguese Rococo silk colcha mid 18th century

dyed silk embroidery on silk, within a giltwood and ebonized frame.

Silk ground dry and with splits throughout. It appears to be re-backed with linen. Extensive losses of colored silk threads and probably areas of re-drawing. Minor fading, good colors.
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.

Colchas are textiles that were made in early modern East India by local Bengali craftsmen and commissioned by the Portuguese from about 1550 to the first half of the 17th century. They were used for decorative purposes, both in India and in Europe, in palaces and church interiors. These textiles are evidence of the frequent exchange of between East and West during this period, and the designs of the colchas, including the present piece, incorporated European, Indian and Islamic elements.