Part of an embroidered linen hanging or quilt-cover, Turkey, 1600-1700.

Hanging, part, linen embroidered with silk in regular surface darning and split stitch (border). there is a border along the left handside; it contains a green meander linking a red tulip and a red carnation and it bears a blue leaf and a sprig of three red and green leaves; there are also white chintamani and some yellow spots. The ground is decorated with off-set bands in which a large circular pomegranate, decorated with red and white triangles, is bracketed between two curving, serrated blue leaves decorated internally with a yellow stem and red circular blossoms. The blue leaves and the pomegranate are linked by green stesm. There are two pairs of red and green leaves along the vertical part of the stem and below the stems is a pair of white flowers. Two sets of five red and green rose leaves grow from the top of each pomegranate. Above each pomegranate but not connected to it is a group of two tulips and one white flower linked by a green stem. Made from two pieces joined after being embroidered.

Given by Miss Ethel C. Newill

The designs of domestic embroideries like this one are clearly based on the more expensive woven silks popular at the Ottoman court. The embroideries have the same flowers, serrated leaves and other motifs as the woven silks, but their shapes are often less well-defined.

The embroideries required less costly materials (mainly linen and silk thread) and women could make them in their own homes. Large panels served as quilt-covers and hangings. Smaller pieces were used as napkins, sashes and towels, and for wrapping one’s possessions on the way to the public bath.

Most of the embroidery is done in simple stitches, such as darning stitch, couching and running stitch.

CIRC.92-1953