Three embroidered velvet containers, Turkey, 18th Century

consisting of three containers, two of rectangular pouch format and the other of cylindrical form, all three embroidered with twisted metal threads on a red velvet background, one pouch decorated with leafy scrolls, the other embellished with miniature pearls and tassel, the cylindrical container embroidered and decorated with polychrome cloths in a symmetric floral design

All three in general good condition, some rubbing and minor subsequent loss to velvet and interal textile of large pouch, few embroidered pearls missing (some loose inside pouch), minor loss to internal silk textile of cylindrical container, some rubbing to velvet, 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 style of decoration of the smaller pouch, sown with miniature pearls, is similar to that used on a velvet comb case in the Sadberk Hanim Museum (Museum No. 2482. I.495). In reference to it, Nurhan Atasoy describes the luxurious ritual of attending public baths in Ottoman Turkey (Atasoy 1992, pp.182-183). Such delicate decoration was also applied to purses used for holding Qur'an sections carried by the children of the palace. A purse of similar form remaining in the collection of the Topkapi Saray carries related decoration using these small seed pearls (Tezcan 2006, p.175, no.150).