A group of embroidered textiles and a Hereke silk and metal thread 'Yastik' cushion cover, Ottoman

comprising of a ‘Yastik’ cushion cover, 19^th century (102 by 58cm) (individual illustration), together with (group illustration - in clockwise direction from bottom left), an almost circular embroidered silk table cloth, pink flowering stem against a yellow ground, 19^th century (94 by 87cm), a bag face, late 19^th century (79 by 79cm), an embroidered cover border fragment with red and blue floral design, and complementary narrow borders, and narrow floral band at one end only (112 by 44cm), a similar cover fragment of blue and beige carnation motifs (125 by 36cm), two similar reversible embroidered towel ends, with bold flowering stems in orange and blue, with metal-thread highlights (28 by 44cm and 29 by 46cm), another cover fragment, with orange, lime green and blue motifs, with metal-thread detailing (132 by 35cm), a composite embroidered cover fragment, with central section with scrolling vine and large ogival flower heads, and a stylised carnation motif in the side bands (118 by 53cm), a napkin end fragment with delicate scrolls with orange and blue flowers (22 by 52cm), and a towel with two ends decorated with metal thread flower heads (113 by 43cm) (Qty 11)

'Yastik' cushion cover (approx. (102 by 58cm), with some losses to applique work; an almost circular table cloth, pink flowering stem against a yellow ground, 19th century (94 by 87cm), minor marks. Good overall condition; a bag face (79 by 79cm), with dark brown weave in centre, appears at glance as stain; an embroidered cover border fragment with red and blue floral design, and complementary narrow borders, and narrow floral band at one end only (112 by 44cm), some minor stains, some loose threads; a similar cover fragment of blue and beige carnation motifs (125 by 36cm), some loose threads; two similar reversible embroidered towel end fragments, with bold flowering stems in orange and blue, with metal-thread highlights (28 by 44cm and 29 by 46cm), fragments as just one end of the towel, overall good condition; another cover fragment, with orange, lime green and blue motifs, with metal-thread detailing (132 by 35cm), a composite embroidered cover fragment, with central section with scrolling vine and large ogival flowerheads, and a stylised carnation motif in the side bands (118 by 53cm), cut at one end, some minor losses; a towel end fragment with delicate scrolls with orange and blue flowers (22 by 52cm), fragment, as just one end of a towel, with a purple ink mark; and a towel with two ends decorated with metal thread flowerheads (113 by 43cm), some minor stains, some loose threads.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This ‘yastik’ continues with the traditional layout and typical to the 19^th century shows the influence of the Western motifs that influenced decorative art from the second half of the 18^th century onwards. The cushions owed their international fame due to being very decorative, portable, prestigious and valuable commercial items.  Due to their use the earlier pieces are very rare, and recorded in illuminated manuscripts. The design of the present ‘yastik’, no longer has the earlier distinctive motif of the lappets across the top and the bottom, a design element which continued into the early 18^th century, even though other aspects of the design were changing. The lappets moved to being separated from the design, and then were not included at all, and corner motifs appeared within the main design. Designs were influenced by the Empire style to appeal to Turkish taste. Grounds of grounds could be light yellow with designs in yellow, green or red velvet (as in the present example). For comprehensive discussion of the history of the cushion covers `çhatma’, their fabrics and designs, and their earliest citations through to the 19^th century, see Gürsu, Nevber, The Art of Turkish Weaving, Designs through the Ages, Istanbul, 1988, Chp VIII, Çhatma Cushion Covers (Yastik), pp.160-177, pl.196&200.

For comprehensive discussion of the subject of Ottoman embroideries, including ‘bohça’ wrapping cloths, `örtü’ covers and floorspreads, ‘yağlik’ napkins, ‘uçkur’ sashes, ‘çevre’ headscarves, and the techniques used see:-

Erber, Christian, A Wealth of Silk and Velvet, Bremen, 1993;
Krody, Sumru Belger, Flowers of Silk and Gold, Four Centuries of Ottoman Embroidery, The Textile Museum, Washington, 2000;
Rogers, J.M., ed., Embroideries and other Textiles, The Topkapi Saray Museum, London/Boston, 1986, Part II: Embroideries;
Taylor, R., Ottoman Embroidery, London, 1993.