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Panel from a kaftan, mid-16th century; Ottoman
Turkey (Istanbul)
Silk and metallic threads, compound weave; H. 52 in. (132.1 cm), W. 27 in. (68.6 cm)
Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1952 (52.20.15)

This magnificent panel from a kaftan is an example of very high-grade seraser production in Istanbul. Seraser is a cloth of gold and silver woven in a compound structure consisting of two warps and two or more complementary wefts. It was highly favored at the Ottoman court. The design of peacock feathers alludes to the bird who resided in paradise until he was expelled, along with Adam and Eve, for failing to follow God's commandments.


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    Panel from a kaftan, mid-16th century; Ottoman
    Turkey (Istanbul)
    Silk and metallic threads, compound weave; H. 52 in. (132.1 cm), W. 27 in. (68.6 cm)
    Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1952 (52.20.15)