Fragmentary Loom Width with Ogival Pattern Object Name: Fragment
Date: ca. 1570–80 Geography: Turkey, probably Istanbul Culture:
Islamic Medium: Silk, metal wrapped thread; lampas (kemha)
Dimensions: Textile: L. 75 in. (190.5 cm) W. 26 in. (66 cm) Mount: L. 56
3/8 in. (143.2 cm) W. 30 3/4 in. (78.1 cm) D. 1 in. (2.5 cm) Wt. 36 lbs.
(16.3 kg) Classification: Textiles-Woven Credit Line: Anonymous
Gift, 1949 Accession Number: 49.32.79a–y The Metropolitan Museum of
Art, New York
With its unusual eggplant‑purple background, gold
medallions, and crisp, stencil‑like drawing, this textile is an
exceptionally fine example of the luxurious Ottoman silk fabrics referred
to as kemha. Employing bold patterns, such as this ogival lattice design,
these textiles were highly valued throughout the Mediterranean and beyond.
Many datable fragments survive in the form of religious vestments of
various Christian communities from Sweden to Moscow. Considering its
overall shape, this fragment probably once served as part of a chasuble—a
garment worn by Christian clergy |