Silk hanging with embroidered tree of life, 1800s (plain weave: silk; embroidery, chain stitch: silk)

Turkey, Ottoman period : integrates Turkish traditions with new European styles which became increasingly fashionable during the mid 18th century. The fanciful tree projects lavish bouquets of Turkish flowers while the tree trunk is wrapped with an elaborate European-style bow, as are the meandering vines in the floral border. A professional draftsman drew the pattern with ink on the radiant yellow silk taffeta which was embroidered with at least 12 vibrant colors in chain stitch. It was most likely made in a professional workshop as a hanging for special occasions, a conspicuous symbol of beauty and wealth.