A silk Embroidered Turban Cover, Ottoman

of almost circular format, comprised of three joined panels, finely worked with overall pattern of red flowering sprigs, incorporating a blue centre enclosing a central grouping of the same flower type, and all within a narrow border, on natural linen ground; later mounted onto textile covered stretcher.

To consider the condition, observing image with the orientation with the slightly straight edges of the form to the left and right, and considering the central medallion lower blue leaf to have two narrow red petals (not three). Panel is comprised of three vertically joined panels (left to right: approximately 48cm., 51cm. and 29cm. wide respectively). The is a shaped area of loss to the ground and leaf design, on the left hand side of the panel (approximately 14cm. by 10cm.) and another smaller area of loss to the right of this section. There is a small hole (3 by 2.5cm) in the very centre of the panel, and another smaller (1 by 2cm.) just outside the parameter of the blue ring, in the lower quarter. There are spot stains to the line ground in areas, such as top right quarter and above the central medallion blue ring.
"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."

For discussion of Ottoman embroidered textiles of the 18th century, and examples of similarly worked circular panels described as floor spreads, and other similarly worked square and rectangular format examples of turban covers and wrapping cloths, see Sumru Belger Krody, Flowers of Silk & Gold, Four Centuries of Ottoman Embroidery at the Textile Museum, Exhibition Catalogue, Washington, D.C., February 18th - July 30, 2000.  

An example of square format, with the same floral, leaf and stem motif colouring and pale blue serrated central medallion, and also with a blue outer edging, from the Textile Museum Collection, described as a turban cover, 18th century, (104 by 96cm.), acquired by George Hewitt Myers, was in the above exhibition, ibid.no.17, pp.116-117.

For futher comprehensive discussion of the historical and technical background of Ottoman embroidered textiles, see Roderick Taylor, Ottoman Embroidery, London, 1993. Chp.2, The Embroidered Textiles, pp.25-140, Turban Covers, pp.93-97.