An Ottoman silk and metal thread brocade (kemha) fragment, Bursa or Istanbul, Turkey

mounted

Erlenmeyer Stiftung, sold Sotheby's London, 16 October 1998, lot 186 (e)

Collection Kelekian, Inv. no. 873

Court and Conquest; Ottoman Origins and Design for Handel's Tamerlano at the Glimmerglass Opera, The Brunei Gallery, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, January 24 - March 23, 2001

Mounted and framed in crimson raw silk upholstered frame; metal areas oxidized and darkened; abrasions to metal, showing silk beneath; scattered pinhead-sized holes overall; 8 inch repaired vertical slit upper left corner; small slits, now sewn to crimson silk backing; right side edge with remnants of original edge.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For related examples published from the Kelekian collection please refer to Guiffrey, M. Jules, La Collection Kelekian; Etoffes & Tapis d'Orient et de Venise, Paris: Emile Levy, pls. 32 and 40.