Fragment of a Cushion Cover (Yastik)

Unknown

16th–17th century · Silk and metal thread; cut and voided velvet (çatma), brocaded · Islamic Art

This fragment once belonged to a large rectangular cushion cover with a characteristic repeating floral medallion covering the center field against a dominant red velvet background. A quarter and a half of the repeat-medallion survive in this fragment. Such yastiks were costly velvet furnishing fabrics with glittering metal-wrapped thread used by the Ottoman elite to adorn the interiors of the royal palaces and the homes of the wealthy elite.

Artist

Unknown

Date

16th–17th century

Medium

Silk and metal thread; cut and voided velvet (çatma), brocaded

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Nanette B. Kelekian, in honor of Olga Raggio, 2002