Kaftans like this one were worn by Ottoman princes who died when they were children. Woven of silk and metal-wrapped thread, it shows that even in childhood Ottoman princes were dressed in the same lavish style as the sultan and his courtiers. The design of a meandering vine set with tulips was also found in contemporary embroidery.
These luxurious kaftans were preserved in imperial tombs where, in accordance with Ottoman custom, they were placed over the graves of the deceased. This one may have come from one of the graves of the 19 younger sons of Sultan Murat III. They were executed at the succession of their half-brother, Mehmet III, in 1595. This gory practice, designed to avoid a struggle for the succession, was never repeated.
Physical description
Brocade kaftan with floral designs in crimson and blue on yellow ground.
Place of Origin
Turkey (made)
Date
16th century (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Silk, cotton and silver thread, woven
Dimensions
Length: 84 cm, Width: 83 cm
Descriptive line
Child's kaftan of silk brocade, Turkey (Bursa or Istanbul), 16th century
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Nevber, Gürsu, The Art of Turkish Weaving.. Istanbul: Redhouse Press, 1988. pp. 199, ill. ISBN 975-413-036-1. Colour Plate 145, p. 134.
The catalogue entry possibly refers to V&A 763-1884, but it seems that a confusion on the numbering may have occurred.
For other children's Kaftans in the V&A see articles by Baker, P., Wearden, J., and French, A. in 'Memento Mori. Ottoman children's Kaftans in the Victoria & Albert Museum', in Hali, June 1990, Issue 51, pp.130-140.
Labels and date
Princes' Kaftans from Ottoman Turkey
These three kaftans (and another in a nearby case) were worn by Ottoman princes who died when they were children. They were preserved in imperial tombs where, in accordance with Ottoman custom, they were placed over the graves of the deceased.
The kaftans may have come from the graves of the 19 younger sons of Sultan Murat III, who were executed at the succession of their half-brother, Mehmet III, in 1595. This gory practice, designed to avoid a struggle for the succession, was never repeated.
The kaftans, woven of silk and metal-wrapped thread, show that even in childhood, Ottoman princes were dressed in the same lavish style as the sultan and his courtiers. The wide range of designs of the time include a meandering vine set with tulips, which clearly influenced contemporary embroidery (see case opposite).
Museum nos 768, 763, 754-1884 [Jameel Gallery]
Production Note
Possibly made in Bursa or Istanbul.
Materials
Cotton; Silk; Silver thread
Techniques
Woven
Subjects depicted
Floral patterns; Tulips
Categories
Islam; Textiles
Collection code
MES
