AN OTTOMAN VOIDED VELVET AND METAL-THREAD CUSHION COVER (YASTIK), TURKEY, 16TH-17TH CENTURY

Of rectangular form with upper and lower arcade of six arches containing a single flowering plant, the central field depicts a circular scallop-edged medallion with a fleur-de-lys at either end, a pair of tulip-decorated spandrels above and below. 128 by 67 cm.

CATALOGUE NOTE Cushion-covers (Yastiks) of this type were used to back the low divans or sofas found in Ottoman palaces from the 16th century onwards. For a velvet with a similar design, in a private German collection, see C.A. Erber, Wealth of Silk and Velvet: Ottoman Fabrics and Embroideries, Bremen, 2000, pl. 176, no. G. 9/3. Related examples with varying designs are illustrated in Atasoy, N. et al, Ipek: The Crescent and the Rose: Imperial Ottoman Silks and Velvets, London, 2001, pp. 320-321.