A FRAGMENT FROM A LARGE MOROCCO BINDING, EGYPT OR SYRIA, MAMLUK, 15TH CENTURY |

of rectangular form, the outer bands with panels of knotwork and densely-interlaced s-shapes, four panels at the outer corners decorated with interlacing palmettes, the central panel decorated with a rectilinear interlace outlined with gold curvilinear knotted hatched pentagons

In generally good condition, areas of restoration affecting mainly the borders, minor holes and scratches, creases, 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 decoration of the central panel, with a gold-lined rectilinear interlace interspersed with dotted and hatched curvilinear knots is also found on two bindings attributed to the fourteenth century, probably made in Egypt or Syria (Bosch 1981, pp.105-6). The decoration in the upper and lower outer bands is very similar to a strip of knot-work mesh in a fourteenth/fifteenth century flap now in the Chester Beatty Library (Bosch 1981, pp.135-6). Two other comparables are in the Victoria and Albert Museum, inv. no.366/15-1888 and inv. no.1070B-1869 (Haldane 1983, p.35 and p.39).