An Ottoman voided velvet and metal-thread panel Turkey, Early 17th Century


of rectangular form, with crimson red pile, the central field with a design of eight lobed medallions containing tulips and carnations radiating around a rosette, interspersed by flowerheads and smaller lobed medallions containing stellar motifs with radiating hyacinths, the border with a design of further lobed medallions, carnations and other flowerheads, framed the panel 64 x 127 cm., the frame 81 x 144.5 cm.
|Velvet and metal thread textiles were some of the finest textiles produced for the Ottoman court in the 16th and 17th Century. Although several different techniques were used in the production of luxurious velvet textiles, in the case of voided velvets areas of the ivory satin ground are left exposed against the rich crimson velvet, forming striking patterns. The overall effect of a vivid design created out of contrasting colours and textures and heightened with metal thread is vibrant and opulent.This particular panel was probably produced as a cushion cover (yastik) which were often designed in the typical bold repeat designs of Ottoman textiles. The design of the present lot, featuring eight-pointed stars embellished with characteristic tulips and carnations, is stylistically similar to a velvet floorspread illustrated in Louise Mackie Symbols of Power, 2015, p. 302, no.8.18.