Towel

The lustrous silk threads in this embroidered towel evoke the light and color of a garden in summer. The Ottomans were known for their love of flowers. Roses, carnations , hyacinths, irises, and tulips bloomed in magnificant gardens along the Bosporus. Flowers adorned luxury objects and were a popular subject for embroidery. Embroiderers--both men and women--worked from designs drawn onto the ground (or base) fabrics, creating endless variety in the patterns by carefully choosing different threads and stitches.