Kaftan

Unknown

late 19th–early 20th century · Silk, cotton, metal wrapped thread; brocaded · Islamic Art

The type of garment referred to as kaftan was known in Persia and the Ottoman Empire before arriving in Morocco, probably in the 16th century. Kaftans are typically worn with fabric belts, and those made of elegant materials such as silk brocade or velvet were reserved for special occasions. The large scale floral designs on the present example are akin to the most sumptuous textiles produced in the Ottoman empire. By the 19th- 20th century, Morocco was importing luxury fabric from Lyons, France, and this garment was likely made for an elite and cosmopolitan member of urban Moroccan society.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th–early 20th century

Medium

Silk, cotton, metal wrapped thread; brocaded

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of George R. Dyer, 1941