A Brocade `kehma' panel, Ottoman

with an unusual design of floating ogival medallions against a ground with golden spheres, mounted within a later glazed rectangular frame

Turkophilia, Paris, 2011

 

Paris 2011, pg.64.

The colours are less strident and more balanced and the appearance is crisper and more defined in reality. Comprised of one panel, with a square patch, top left corner, and horizontal seam join to lower point. The stencil effect, of narrow slits, in some section of the ogival motif, is due to the original supplementary wefting having oxidised away completely, revealing the crimson mounting material underneath. Some abrasion, visible as the darker areas in photograph to the ground. Lovely drawing.
"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 an example of a 16th century ecclesiastical cope of similar fabric, see P.Frost, Collecting Textiles, London, 2000, pg.56. For an additional example dated end of 16th century, see Gürsu, Nevber, The Art of Turkish Weaving, Designs through the Ages, Istanbul, 1988, pg, 102, no.96, from The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A 836-1904).  For two later examples, a `çatma' fragment, first half 17<sup>th</sup> century see Gürsu, opcit, pg.148, no. 163, from The Konya Melvana Museums (598), and an example of a  `seraser' fragment, dated end of 17^th century, with large floating motif against a ground with a distinctive repeat pattern, of flowerheads rather than golden spheres, ibid, pg.145, no.151, from The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A T8-1916).