2-727-963 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Embroidered Curtain, 17th-18th century. Reversible curtains were hung at large doors that opened into interior courtyards, either tied back or hung across the opening for privacy. This striking example, one of a pair, is composed of alternating groups of monochromatic and decorated narrow strips of silk. The decorated strips were made by weavers or gold-thread embroiderers in the marketplace. Even the tiny white silk thread stitches joining the lengths contribute to the overall richness.