gold velvet voided on a cream ground, woven with central sun medallion surrounded and bordered by carnations, rosettes and tulips with palmettes, silver-thread highlights

Sotheby's London, 17 April 2007, lot 53

The voided velvet in good condition, bright, a lot of the silver-inlay still remaining although a little missing, some occasional tears and consolidated stitching on ground, edges particularly with some tears and associated 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."

Fine textiles were of symbolic importance in the Ottoman court and at home to indicate the power and status of an individual (Atasoy et. al. 2001, p.34). Ottoman textile designers created versatile designs by constantly adapting existing motifs. The floral design around a central sunburst medallion on this panel is comparable to two cushion covers (yastiks) attributed to the seventeenth century in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv.no.30.95.65 and 1970.65.14) and said to have been used by the Ottoman elite to decorate the interior of their palaces. However, the beautiful condition of the silver thread and golden yellow silk velvet ground establish a dynamic variant on the more dominant crimson colour known of Ottoman textiles.