Lot 130
  • 130

An Important External Curtain (Burqa) of the Holy Ka'ba Door dedicated to Sultan Abd al-Majid (r.1839-61)

Estimate
200,000 - 300,000 USD
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Description

  • dated 1263 AH/1846-7 AD
  • silk with applied silver and silver-gilt thread

Condition

In good overall condition, some rubbing to the metal threads, some small areas of wear near the central cartouche associated with age, some other small holes and minor tears, colours good, 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."

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.