Lot 166. A large Ottoman voided silk velvet panel (yastik), Turkey, probably Bursa, circa 1700; 123.2 by 65cm. Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000 GBP. Courtesy Sotheby's.

of rectangular form, composed of cream, green and red velvet threads, featuring a lobed medalion with floral steams, and leafy stems of each side, the arches and end-bands also containing floral motifs, mounted.

Note: Surviving evidence suggests that cushion covers (yastik yüzü) were woven in pairs and more rarely in sets of four. They used a variety of designs which were adapted for repeat/mirror image yardage. It is not unusual to find the covers later re-used in other items, due to their size, and their designs influenced those of small embroideries and pile weavings produced in Anatolia and the Caucasus. Indeed, two very similar examples sewn together as a double panel sold in Christie's London, 27 April 2017, lot 140. Further close comparables with the same design are in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, inv. no.842-1852, The State Historical Museum, Moscow, inv. no.GIM-19201, from the P.I. Schukin Collection, and the Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul, inv. no.13/1441.