An Ottoman silk and metal thread calligraphic panel, attributed to Mehmed Tahir Efendi, Turkey, circa 1850

of rectangular form, the silk red ground applied with a cental ochre silk oval cartouche embroidered with silver-gilt metal thread, with a calligraphic inscription framed by a pattern of half-flowerheads and surrounded by entwining floral and vegetal motifs, the vertical and upper broders with attached knotted cords and spherical adornments

Very light frays and very minor losses throughout, attached to a framed canvas, 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."

This panel of embroidered calligraphy is likely to have been made by the hand of Mehmed Tahir Effendi, the favourite pupil of the court calligrapher Mahmud Celâleddin (d. 1829).  In turn, Mehmed Tahir Efendi gave calligraphy lessons to Sultan Abdülmecid (r. 1839-61), carrying on Celâleddin's method before it became obsolete.  That the final word of the inscription's Qur'anic verse tathiran is rendered in a small area to the left, almost like a signature, it appears to make a visual pun on the name Tahir, suggesting that the draughtsman was indeed the calligrapher Mehmed Tahir Efendi.