A fine Sogdian silk lampas textile fragment, Central Asia, 8th/9th Century

woven in red, green, blue and cream silk threads with repeating roundel designs with pairs of pheasants, the roundels consisting of several concentric elements or curving coloured petals with a variety of motifs depicted between them

In good condition, colours of silk bright, edges slightly frayed, 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."

This delicate silk lampas textile fragment survives in remarkable condition. Woven from the finest silk, probably imported from China, its extraordinary softness and sensuality is indicative of courtly patronage and consumption. The decorative scheme is comprised of two pheasants standing upright in a grand style, facing each other before a branching tree, recalling a zoomorphic topos of Sasanian imperial iconography.