'Kiosks & Pleasure Gardens', 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 pavilions/kiosks and trees; together with a larger embroidered and metal thread cover (õrtü) worked with a four-sided border of kiosks and hills and bowls of fruit in each corner (150 by 99cm; 4ft. in., 3ft. 3in) (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. Charming designs of landscapes, tents and trees. Metal threads shimmer and sparkle. Approximate measurements: In two columns left and right of image (top to bottom); Across the width of the top - a larger embroidered and metal thread cover (õrtü) worked with a four-sided border of kiosks and hills and bowls of fruit in each corner (150 by 99cm); of which there is a separate image of the whole panel on-line, Left hand side column- top to bottom; buidings and trees design 49 by 146cm., pyramid design 46 by 58cm., house flanked by different trees 52 by 132cm, pink floral arbour design 31 by 204cm, orange and blue buildings and trees 18 by 52cm., (Then on-line but not in catalogue photograph, near bottom of image, towel with tree cypress trees group and blue building 49 by 120cm. and lower edge - design with orange house and willow tree 97 by 98.5cm.) - just visible in lower right corner of catalogue photograph. Right hand side column: top to bottom - towel with large green and black foliate motif 72 by 146cm., tent and tree design 51 by 124cm., far right edge - towel with desing of grey tent surrounded by trees 41 by 100cm, in centre of photograph towel with cypress tree and stylised foliate motif, with red fringe edging 38 by 149cm., towel with red tiled houses 52 by 74cm.
"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."

Rogers, J.M., ed., Embroideries and other Textiles, The Topkapi Saray Museum, London/Boston, 1986, Part II: Embroideries, pp-159-210, figs.118-119, for specific examples of towel ends and napkins, embroidered with stylised pavilions, kiosks and rivers, and another with pomegranates, from a well represented collection of 18^th-19^th century examples in the Topkapi Saray.  For an example of a Çevre – scarf with kiosks and trees, see Black, David & Loveless, Clive, Işlemeler: Ottoman Domestic Embroideries, David Black Oriental Carpets, London, 1978, pl.14. For a napkin with the same motifs, see Mazarakis, A & Latga-Minotau, Greek Embroideries, Historical & National Society of Greece, Athens, 1989, pp.14-15,figs.14-15. Handkerchiefs of  the 18^th and 19^th century embroidered with a variety of these beautifully rendered motifs, are illustrated in Wace, A.J.B, Mediterranean and Near Eastern Embroideries, From the Collection of Mrs F.H.Cook, London, 1935, Vol.I, Text, Vol. II, Plates, No. 72-174, pls.XCII.-XCIV.

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.