'Silver and Metal Thread Decoration' , A Group of Ottoman Towels and Embroideries

including napkins (yağlik), sashes (uçkur), headscarves (çevre), worked in polychrome silks and metal-threads, using a variety of stitches, predominantly worked with metal-thread work (9)

Couleurs d'Orient, Brussels, 2010

Brussels 2010, pg.71, for detail of towel end with gilt and silvered metal-thread pyramid motifs.

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. The shimmer and sparkle in the light. Approximate measurements: Clockwise direction. (illustrated on line and not in catalogue - top left towel with silver acorn design 59 by 129cm) In catalogue top left towel with elaborate scroll of vases 62 by 154cm., in catalogue top corner, just visible (more visible on-line) napkin 76 by 76cm, delicate napkin with fir tree leaf 55 by 55cm, top right corner handkerchief 36 by 70cm., towel with sunflowers 27 by 219cm, silver calligraphic motif towel 41 by 110cm., lower edge towel with baskets of fruit 77 by 150cm., centre left towel with columns are foliate arbours 77 by 167cm.
"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 an overriding use of metal-thread, depicting flowers and foliage, see Mazarakis, A & Latga-Minotau, Greek Embroideries, Historical & National Society of Greece, Athens, 1989, pp.10-11, figs.9&10.

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.