A ZARDOZI-EMBROIDERED PLUM VELVET LIVERY
PROPERTY OF A PRIVATE MUNICH COLLECTOR
Ottoman Turkey or Provinces, early 20th century

Of fitted form, the front, back, sleeve tops, and cuffs heavily worked in metallic threads in a variety of techniques, fine metallic mesh, and spangles with a flowering urn, the back with a bold crescent moon and star motif, and scrolling friezes, lined in blue cotton damask, 43cm from the nape.

The term zardozi stands for 'gold embroidery' and it stems from the Persian words zar (gold) and dozi (sewing). This metal embroidery technique was usually employed on a silk, satin, or velvet fabric base and its use was widespread in Iran, Ottoman Eastern Provinces, India, and throughout Central Asia.