- 130
An Important External Curtain (Burqa) of the Holy Ka'ba Door dedicated to Sultan Abd al-Majid (r.1839-61)
Description
- dated 1263 AH/1846-7 AD
- silk with applied silver and silver-gilt thread
Condition
"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."
Catalogue Note
inscription
In the cartouche above the pointed arch:
amara bi-'amal hadhi al-burdah al-sharifah mawlana al-sultan al-maghazi 'abd al-majid khan khallada allah khilafatihi sana 1263
'This noble curtain was ordered to be made by our Lord, the one of military virtues, Sultan 'Abd al-Majid, may his caliphate be everlasting, the year 1263 AH/1846-7 AD'.
In the small pale roundels in the borders: Repetition of: allahu rabbi 'God is my Lord' and allahu hasbi 'God suffices me'.
In the eight long black cartouches on the side borders: Qur'an, surah al-fatihah (I).
In the top two long black cartouches, the two large roundels and round the opening arch: Qur'an, surah al-ilkhlas (CXII).
In the single black cartouche on top: Qur'an, surah al-naml (XXVII), verse 30 and surah al-isra (XVII), verse 80.
In the four lozenge-shaped cartouches: The Bismillah in mirror form.
In the wide pale band: Qur'an, surah al-fath (XLVIII), part of verse 27.
In the four black cartouches above and below the wide band: Qur'an, surah al-baqara (II), verse 255 (ayat al-kursi).
In the two black cartouches next to the top of the arch: Qur'an, surah quraysh (CVI).
In the six cartouches on the sides of the opening: Repetition of two different shahadah.