Ottoman Door Hanging

300 x 190 cm (9' 10" x 6' 3") Turkey, 19th century Condition: good, scattered small areas of wear and holes, minor small repairs, signs of use, backed with fabric Silk and metal threads on silk For centuries, gold and silver thread embroidery was a highly specialized craft in the Ottoman Empire. These luxurious textiles were used for everything from shawls and blankets to clothing and even the famous hangings of the Kaaba in Mecca. Large curtains for the portals of mosques were crafted from gold and silk. Our magnificent piece features inscribed bands as all-around borders, as well as cartouches and medallions. Particularly beautiful are the niches visible on both long sides. They offer a glimpse into a mosque, much as we see on carpets. An elegantly rendered pediment is supported by two columns. The niche is dominated by a massive lamp standing above a delicately rendered vase from which flowers emerge. The architectural design - featuring a niche within a niche - reflects the influence of European art, which had been increasingly evident in the Ottoman Empire since the 18th century. The delicate tulips beneath the white cartouche, on the other hand, attest to the Ottomans' particular fondness for this motif. Mosque hangings typically feature ornately designed squares in the lower section. On our piece, a complex star-shaped lattice can be seen there. In terms of its overall composition, color scheme, and calligraphic design, our piece resembles a door frame - albeit without a mosque depiction - that was auctioned at Christie's for £11,750. That piece was likely slightly reduced in length at the lower ends (Christie's, October 15, 2003, Lot 161). Estimate: € 8000 - 12000 Starting bid: € 5000

Estimación:€8,000

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