Ottoman Silk and Metal Thread Multiple Niche Brocade Mihrab Panel

Ottoman Silk and Metal Thread Multiple Niche Brocade Mihrab Panel

Arts of the Islamic World

Sale: L08220 | Location: London, New Bond Street
Auction Dates: Session 2: Wed, 09 Apr 08 2:30 PM
LOT 362
AN OTTOMAN SILK AND METAL-THREAD MULTIPLE-NICHE BROCADE MIHRAB PANEL,
10,000—14,000 GBP
MEASUREMENTS
approximately 157 by 117cm., 5ft. 2in. by 3ft. 10in.
DESCRIPTION
circa 18th century
CATALOGUE NOTE
With its field divided into three sections by the columns supporting a triple mihrab arch, the lot offered here resembles seventeenth-century Ghiordes prayer rugs. The abundant use of metal thread brocading makes this piece appear particularly lavish and luxurious. The naturalistic depiction of the carnations and other various flowers at the top of the arches, in the primary border and along the lower end of the mat further stress the high-end nature of this lot as similar prayer mats are more often embellished with more stylized design elements, even when using floral motifs. The blossoming tulip bouquets floating between the columns and the three-dimensional treatment of the suspended lamps' round bulbous bodies give an intriguing sense of depth and space to this piece. For related examples please see Hülyan Tezcan and Sumiyo Okumura, Textile Furnishings from the Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul, 2007, pp. 66-74.

Thanks and best wishes,

J. Barry O'Connell Jr.

Persian Rugs the O'Connell Guides