OTTOMAN EGYPT, CIRCA 1900

This fragment comes from the continuous calligraphic band on the uppermost part of the kiswa al-Ka'ba. The use of sura al-Hajj serves to remind pilgrims of the unique importance of Mecca for believers. An almost identical fragment from the Hizam, with an identical inscription and also woven on a navy silk ground, was sold in these Rooms, 17 April 2007, lot 19.