Ottoman Court Silk Brocade Fragment, Bursa or Istanbul

A fragment of Ottoman imperial court silk brocade, assigned to the textile centers of Bursa or Istanbul and dated to the late 17th or early 18th century. It measures approximately 11 by 16 inches (28 x 41 cm).

The design sets large golden trefoils within an ogival framework on a rich red ground, woven in multi-colored silk threads. The reciprocal trefoil pattern belongs to a family of court brocades that ranked among the most valued fabrics of the Ottoman world.

The fragment is probably from a ceremonial court caftan, the kind of garment made for sultans and members of the court. It comes from our curated textile and Oriental rug holdings, specifically a study collection of fine Islamic textile fragments assembled to show the range of techniques and materials in use.