Metallic Thread Embroidered Silk Ottoman Hangings - Ottoman Empire, XIXᵉ Century

Superb antique silk hanging from the Ottoman Empire, dating from the XIXᵉ century, featuring a remarkable embroidered decoration with silver and gold metallic threads.

The silk ground, a deep wine-red hue with terracotta undertones, beautifully highlights a regular sowing of large almond motifs - the famous buta shape, also known as mandorla or paisley, emblematic of Ottoman textile ornamentation.

Each central motif is richly embroidered with metallic threads using traditional techniques close to dival işi or tel kırma, characteristic of the embroidery workshops of Bursa, Istanbul or Thessaloniki. The dense filling, executed in chain stitch or counted stitch, composes a delicate vegetal network where stylized flowers and scrolls radiate around the heart of the motif.

This repeated composition, both balanced and highly decorative, evokes the rich ceremonial textiles used in Ottoman interiors - wall hangings, bed covers (yatak örtüsü) or elements of textile finery.

Borders elegantly underline the ensemble and frame this refined décor, where light subtly reflects off metallic embroidery.

The silk shows a few old accidents, now stabilized and discreetly consolidated with fusing to preserve the material and avoid further deterioration.

A decorative piece of great charm, witness to the refinement of embroidered textiles in the Ottoman Empire in the XIXᵉ century.

Dimensions:
120 × 115 cm