'Fruit' A Group of Ottoman Towels and Embroideries

predominantly worked with fruit (9)



For additional information and images see Sotheby's.com.



 

Couleurs d'Orient, Brussels, 2010

Brussels 2010, pg.71, for detail of towel end with the embroidered watermelons.

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. Wonderfully evocative napkins with symbolic motifs of for hospitality and generosity Approximate measurements: From top to bottom Grapes in blue bowls 46 by 118cm, Fruit in blue and white bowls 44 by 122cm, Pears on plates 44 by 145cm, Bunches of grapes on plates 40 by 100cm, Apples in bowls 48 by 112cm, Grapes and vine leaves in handled bowls 48 by 119cm, Grape vines and carnation stems 48 by 220cm, Grapes on elaborate supports 51 by 153cm, Watermelons 47 by 125cm.
"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 an example of a yağlik – napkin with melons, which is specifically symbolic of generosity and hospitality, see Black, David & Loveless, Clive, Işlemeler: Ottoman Domestic Embroideries, David Black Oriental Carpets, London, 1978, pl.33,  and for an example of a napkin from the Turkish Aegean islands, depicting grapes and apples on a plate, circa 1840, see Taylor, R., Ottoman Embroidery, London, 1993, pp.62-63.

For comprehensive discussion of the subject of Ottoman embroideries, including napkins (yağlik), sashes (Uçkur), headscarves (Çevre), wrapping cloths (Bohça), covers and floorspreads, 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.