An Ottoman red-ground calligraphic silk lampas panel, Turkey, 18th century

the red silk ground divided by cream coloured horizontal chevrons enclosing dense vigorous bands of Muhaqqaq calligraphy, alternating with bands of vase-shaped cartouches flanked by roundels, backed with cotton cloth

In general good condition, some staining to cotton lining on reverse, colours on silk bright, 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."

inscriptions

In bands, repetition of:
1). The shahadah
2). Qur'an, surah Al-'Imran, 96.
3). In small cartouches: invocations to God.
4). Qur'an, surah Al-Baqarah (II), parts of 144.

A near-identical eighteenth-century silk lampas is illustrated in P.L. Baker, Islamic Textiles, London, 1995, p.94. Another similar panel, dated to the eighteenth century, is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, (see Meisterwerke aus dem Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Berlin, 1991, no.114, pp.268-9). Further examples have sold in these rooms, 7 October 2009, lot 61, and 14 April 2010, lot 46.

Traditionally, the covers of the interior walls of the Ka'aba were made of red silk with white thuluth script, whereas the green silk variety were used to cover the interior of the shrine of The Prophet in Medina. However, green silk is now used for both.