`Flowers' A Group of Ottoman embroidered and metal-thread textiles

including napkins (yağlik), sashes (uçkur), headscarves (çevre), worked in polychrome silks and metal-threads, using a variety of stitches, predominantly representing floral motifs; together with a larger embroidered and metal thread rectangular cover (õrtü) worked with a four-sided border of floral groups and the main field scattered with flower heads, on a blue silk ground (99 by 93cm.; 3ft. 3in., 3ft) (13)

There are some stains and marks generally to some and some small losses. The embroidered and metal-thread decorated ends are in very good overall condition. Measurements: In columns left, centre and right of image (top to bottom); Left hand side column- top to bottom; Embroidered brown silk panel (with light damage, and split to centre) 67 x 118, towl 44 x 242, and similar towel 44 by 242cm., boteh towel 51 by 112, and towel lower left corner 49 by 577cm. Central column: top to bottom: Blue panel 99 by 93cm (with some splits) see image of whole piece on-line, basket and flower towel 34 x 137cm., baskets and wheat-sheaf towel 95 x 161cm., sunflower motif towel, centre through to right had side 34 by 137cm, and towel across lower edge centre through to right side, 162 by 196cm. Right hand side column: top to bottom: blue bell stem towel 22 by 171cm and carnation sprig towel 26 by 185cm, cartouche motifs towel 89 by 178cm.
"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."

For comparable examples of yağlik - napkins with flowers, see Mazarakis, A & Latga-Minotau, Greek Embroideries, Historical & National Society of Greece, Athens, 1989, pp.4-5, figs.2&3.

For an example of an uçkur - sash with a floral group contained within a cartouche, worked in the similar techniques used in the present lots, see Rogers, J.M., ed., Embroideries and other Textiles, The Topkapi Saray Museum, London/Boston, 1986.

For an example of an uçkur – sash with a floral group contained within a cartouche, worked in the similar techniques used in the present lots, see Rogers, J.M., ed., Embroideries and other Textiles, The Topkapi Saray Museum, London/Boston, 1986.

Rogers, J.M., ed., Embroideries and other Textiles, The Topkapi Saray Museum, London/Boston, 1986, Part II: Embroideries

For comprehensive discussion of the subject of Ottoman embroideries, including napkins (yağlik), sashes (uçkur), headscarves (çevre), wrapping cloths (bohça), covers and floorspread, and the techniques used see:-

Erber, Christian, A Wealth of Silk and Velvet, Bremen, 1993;
Krody, Sumru Belger, Flowers of Silk and Gold, Four Centuries of Ottoman Embroidery, The Textile Museum, Washington, 2000;
Rogers, J.M., ed., Embroideries and other Textiles, The Topkapi Saray Museum, London/Boston, 1986, Part II: Embroideries;
Taylor, R., Ottoman Embroidery, London, 1993.