Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History


    • Fragmentary loom width with wavy-vine pattern, Ottoman period (ca. 1299–1923), ca. 1565–80
    Turkey, probably Istanbul
    Silk, metal-wrapped thread; lampas (kemha)

    L. 48 in. (121.9 cm), W. 26 1/2 in. (67.3 cm)
    Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1952 (52.20.21)

    Ottoman textiles illustrate the taste of the period for splendid floral silks, used for garments and furnishings. This vertical pattern, formed by wavy stems, flowers, and leaves, appeared during the second half of the sixteenth century and is stylistically comparable to the ceramic wall tiles in buildings of the period. Swinging in rhythm from right to left on the undulating stalk are composite tulips and peonies, alternating within the curve of the stems. The flowers and leaves are further enhanced with miniature tulips and carnations, both favorite Ottoman motifs, and other naturalistic flowers.

    Related


    This work has been published in the Museum's Bulletin or Journal. These articles may or may not represent the most current scholarship.
  • Ettinghausen, Richard. "Islamic Art." The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, v. 33, no. 1 (Spring, 1975).
    JSTOR | PDF | Supplemental PDFs
    • "Director's Note" PDF
  • Grube, Ernst J., et al. "Art Treasures of Turkey." The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, v. 26, no. 5 (January, 1968).
    JSTOR | PDFs
    • "Anatolia" PDF
    • "Byzantium" PDF
    • "Director's Note" PDF
    • "Lydia" PDF
    • "The Ottoman Empire" PDF
    • "Turguerie" PDF
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    Fragmentary loom width with wavy-vine pattern, Ottoman period (ca. 1299–1923), ca. 1565–80
    Turkey, probably Istanbul
    Silk, metal-wrapped thread; lampas (kemha)

    L. 48 in. (121.9 cm), W. 26 1/2 in. (67.3 cm)
    Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1952 (52.20.21)


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