worked in a tabby weave, embroidered with polychrome silks in laid and couched stitch, depicting figures on horseback (most probably women riding side-saddle) amidst scrolling foliage, with a wide horizontal band with corresponding design bordered above and below by a row of birds, on a neutral linen ground, mounted on a stretcher

Fragmentary, mounted on cotton panel (visible as on photographs), the textile with water stains and discoloration, some patches of consolidation, 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 present lot and the previous form part of an extremely rare group of domestic textiles from fourteenth century Eastern Persia or Afghanistan. Extant embroideries of these sizes and condition, notably with pristine colourful silks, are unknown. 

Drawings on paper played an important role in the transfer of designs between different media in Iran during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Indeed comparisons can be drawn between the style of decoration of the present piece and curtains and hangings depicted in both the Great Mongol Shahnama and the Diez Albums in Berlin. One illustration from the Diez Albums entitles 'preparations for a banquet' depicts not only interior tent panels which display horizontal bands of a similar proportion to the piece at hand, but also a comparable sense of space, with both designs embroidered with a similar subtle and sparse elegance (see L. Komaroff & S. Carboni (eds.), The Legacy of Genghis Khan, New York, 2002, p.82, fig.86). In relation to the Great Mongol Shnama, a page depicting the scene of 'Zal approaching Shah Manuschir' (ibid., p.162, fig.189) displays another interior tent panel with a comparable horizontal band.

The small group of embroideries to which this example and the previous belong represent unique survivors of domestic embroidery from this period, and are of fundamental importance to the study of textile art from this part of the world. For literary references and forthcoming publication details, see previous lot.

This lot is accompanied by a radiocarbon dating measurement report confirming a fourteenth century date of production.