AN OTTOMAN CEREMONIAL HANGING WITH THE ROYAL QAJAR EMBLEM
PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ENGLISH COLLECTION
Ottoman Turkey, second half 19th century

Of large rectangular shape, the ecru cotton base heavily couched in ivory silk to form the ground, elaborately worked in silver, gold, and metallic threads, incorporating a variety of techniques, including raised-work, colour block silk applique, and French knots, with a symmetrical design including elements from various Eastern textiles, namely the central cypress tree flanked by birds, a ubiquitous design in Indian chintz hangings; the triple columns on either side hung with lanterns, a motif typically adopted in Banja Luka felt hangings; and the royal Persian emblem of the lion, sword, and rising sun (Shir-o-Khorshid), with the Kiani crown above each set of columns, and scrolling foliage emanating from a stylised tughra reminiscent of Sultans Abdulmejid I (r. 1839 - 1861) and Abdulhamid II (r. 1876 - 1909), at the bottom a cartouche bearing pseudo-calligraphic inscriptions, lined, 248cm x 173cm.