An Ottoman silk and metal-thread curtain, with the tughra of Sultan 'Abd al-Aziz (r. AH. 1277-93 / A.D. 1861-76), A.H. 1283/A.D. 1866-7

of rectangular form, the black silk ground applied with red and dark ochre silk panels, embroidered with silver and silver-gilt metal threads, with central stylised mosque lamp surrounded by a curving calligraphic inscription, the top with an inscribed band framed by rising sun motifs, with a bottom calligraphic band framed by further calligraphic cartouches and roundels under the tughra of Sultan 'Abd al-Aziz on a red ground, the whole framed by floral and foliate motifs

Light fraying to the applied panels. Very minor loss of embroidered thread throughout. Minor losses to the rim. Matted on a modern backing. 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 cartouches in the borders: Qur'an, surah al-Baqara (II), 255 and 256.

In the roundels in the borders:  The names of the four Orthodox caliphs and eight of the Prophets Companions.

In the top panel: Qur'an, surah al-Fath (XLVIII), parts of 28 and 29.

In the arches: surah al-Fath (XLVIII), 1 to parts of 4.

In the red roundels: The shahada.

In the centre: surah al-Fath (XLVIII), parts of 4-8, ending with: 'The Supreme God told the truth'.

In the panel under the columns:

amara bi-tajdid hadhahi al-sitara al-mubaraka mawlana al-sultan al-maghazi 'abd al-'aziz khan ibn al-sultan mahmud khan ibn al-sultan 'abd al-hamid khan khallad allah khilafatihi sana 1283

'Our lord with military virtues al-Sultan 'Abd al-'Aziz Khan son of al-Sultan Mahmud Khan son of al-Sultan 'Abd al-Hamid Khan - may God make his Caliphate eternal - ordered the renewal of this blessed cover in A.H. 1283 / A.D. 1866-7'. 

With the tughra of Sultan 'Abd al-Aziz (r. AH. 1277-93 / A.D. 1861-76).