Turkish, Western Turkey
Hanging or Cover with Leaf Motifs, 17th century
Silk satin with embroidered silk yarns and couched gilt yarns , 139.7 x 86.3 cm (55 x 34 in.)
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This vertical Turkish wall hanging is woven predominantly with light rose silk satin and embroidered with six large ogival, or pointed ovals. The ovals alternate in rows of one or two, all outlined in grey. Half-ovals balance the sides of rows having only one complete center oval, and also the top and bottom of the hanging. Within the ovals are four or eight eight-lobed white leaves, depending on whether it is a complete or semi-oval, leaving the rose colored center in the form of a smaller leaf, some also with blue touches in the center. On the outer bottom of each oval, smaller blue leaves have been woven in the design. Around all of the ovals, small off-white leaves are scattered seemingly randomly against the rose background.
Raphael Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.