2-733-168 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Lampas silk cushion cover, early 1600s. This rare example of a cushion cover in brocaded silk, rather than the stronger, more wear-resistant velvet, was made during the height of silk weaving for the Ottoman court. Also unusual are the bold silhouetted motifs in gilt-metal thread on a lustrous crimson silk ground. Multipetaled blossoms enliven the central scalloped medallion, and large tulips— a signature Turkish flower—adorn the corner spandrels.