A fine silk textile fragment, Sogdiana, Central Asia, 8th Century

composed of silk, woven with red, green, honey and blue threads, featuring a petalled roundel enclosing confronting lions standing above two calfs, the edges with sections of geometric designs, mounted against a silk background on card

In fairly good condition, some tears and losses to surface, stitching onto mount visible on two sides, some staining, consistent with age, 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."

Two confronting lions within a lobed medallion present the central feature on this Sogdian silk textile fragment. Each stands imposingly on its quarry, a cow which lies beneath its feet. This design appears on a number of Sogdian silk textiles which represent motifs inspired by Sasanian royal iconography in which feared animals and their victims allude to the relationship between the powerful ruler and his enemies. This particular motif carries a strong association with power and potency, and possibly was meant to refer to the wearer himself. A Sogdian silk robe with a similar motif of confronting lions, but without their prey, was sold in these rooms on 25 April 2012, lot 499.