Blouse
Made of an extremely sheer organdy with stripes woven into the fabric, this blouse was produced for sale to foreign visitors. The loosely fitted undershirt typically worn by Ottoman women has been adjusted for European taste to be a more formfitting blouse, similar to those worn in Orientalist photographs of harem women. The hip-length garment has a center front opening and long full sleeves. The sleeves, neck opening and bodice area are decorated with chain stitch embroidery in a dark tan color, perhaps carried out by machine. Embroidery motifs include floral garlands, bouquets, and a star and crescent. A looped thread trim with gold-colored metal sequins finishes the neck opening and sleeve edges. Tassels on the bodice complete the garment’s decoration.
Artwork Details
- Title: Blouse
- Date: mid-19th–early 20th century
- Geography: Made in Turkey
- Medium: Silk, metal wrapped thread, sequins; embroidered
- Dimensions: Overall:
H. 23 1/2 in. (59.7 cm)
W. 57 1/2 in. (146.1 cm) - Classification: Main dress-Womenswear
- Credit Line: Gift of Beaumont Newhall, in memory of his mother, A. Lillia Newhall, 1943
- Object Number: C.I.43.12.74
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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'Abd al-Qadir Hisari (Turkish)
dated 1180 AH/1766–67 CE
dated 1268 AH/1851–52 CE
ca. 1555–60
Painting by Mustafa ibn Vali
ca. 1595
16th century
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