A silk and metal-thread embroidered horse cover, Ottoman

worked in metal-threads and applique polychrome silk detailing, with exuberant floral and foliate motifs, and large vase of flowers in the centre of the main section, with the harness sections with narrow vases of flowers, within a narrow continuous outer border of scrolling leaves and flowers, against a sable coloured ground; lacking fringe, mounted within a glass and metal frame

Couleurs d'Orient, Brussels, 2010;
Turkophilia, Paris, 2011

Brussels 2010, pg.38;
Paris 2011, pg.52.

Not mounted - but supported between glass in metal frame. Textile: At longest and widest points 182 by 168cm.; 5ft. 11in., 5ft. 6in. Lined on reverse with brown material. Colours in reality are not as bold. The oranges are not as strident in reality and are the safflower colour/shade, which is more subtle in tone. The metal looks a little flat in colour. The metal-threads are tarnished but largely extant. Metal-threads applied with different techniques. Some loose embroidery threads and small minor areas of loss within petals. Unusual for a functional textile to remain in such good 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."

For discussion of ceremonial horse trappings and covers `çaprak', the rarity of complete covers being due the their use, and examples of pieces used on the rump, dated circa 1700, which show the generic technique of the metal-thread applique with velvet or satin, see Taylor, R., Ottoman Embroidery, London, 1993, Chp. 3, Large Embroideries,  pp.141-159, Horse and Carriage cloths, pp.152-155. A complete cover exists in the National Museum of Warsaw (Inv.No.158259) and has all the necessary cuts to enable it to fit on the saddle (measuring approx. 110cm by 142cm).