A Rare album page of découpage calligraphy by Fahri of Bursa, Turkey, late 16th century, late 16th Century

6 lines of diagonal Persian text cut out of paper and laid down on a gold ground, amid cut interlacing floral decoration, the border triangles decorated with cut-out intricate scrolling flowers, ruled in gold with marbled inner borders, outer margins flecked with gold, framed

In good overall condition, a few minor losses to the top right hand corner and lower edge of the calligraphy, otherwise gold bright and découplage in good condition, 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."

The greatest master of Ottoman paper-cutters, Fahri of Bursa is celebrated for presenting an extraordinary découpage composition, known as Gulistan, to Sultan Ahmed I (r.1603-1617). The so-called Album of Murad III in Vienna also includes very fine examples executed by Fahri of Bursa. He is the only specific paper cutter (qa'ati) mentioned by the Ottoman chronicler Mustafa 'Ali in his history of calligraphers and artists (manaqib-i hunarwaran), written in 1580, and one whose work was deemed worthy of inclusion in royal albums. Fahri of Bursa was also renowned for his unparalled skills in executing garden scenes and floral compositions. Praised by many authorities and considered unsurpassable, Fahri of Bursa died in 1617.