An Ottoman silk and metal thread red-ground curtain, Turkey or Egypt, circa 19th century

of rectangular form, the red silk ground embroidered with silver and silver-gilt threads with a central stylised mihrab enclosing a hanging lamp framed by panels of calligraphic roundels and cartouches, the arcade with alternating palmettes

overall in good condition. some colours have faded, and some silk is frayed, very minor loss of embroidered thread, affixed to 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 long cartouches in the borders: Qur'an, surah al-Hashr (LIX), 22-24.
In 6 roundels in the borders:  The names:  God, Muhammad, Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman and 'Ali.
In 2 roundels in the lower border:
amara bi-'amal hadha al-sitarah al-mubarakah/mawlana al-malik al-a'zam al-sultan muhammad khan
'Our Lord the most great king Sultan Muhammad Khan ordered the making of this blessed cover'
In the top horizontal band: Qur'an, surah al-Hujurat (XLIX), 3.
In the lower horizontal band:  A hadith of the Prophet.
In the lamp, in mirrored form: Qur'an, surah al-Fath (XLVIII), 1.
In the tear-shaped cartouche:
mawlana al-sultan/ muhammad khan 'azza allah nasrahu / fi sana 1295
'Our Lord, the Sultan, Muhammad Khan, may God glorify his victory in the year 1295 (A.D. 1878)'