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Fragment of a Kaftan Back

mid-16th century
Not on view
This fragment originally was part of a kaftan back and is created in the distinctive luxury silk fabric technique with silver- or goldcolored threads known in Turkish as seraser and in French as taqueté. In the mid- to late sixteenth century, very eccentric largescale designs were preferred, as they were visible from a distance and favored for parade garments.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Fragment of a Kaftan Back
  • Date: mid-16th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Turkey, probably Istanbul
  • Medium: Silk, metal wrapped thread; taqueté (seraser)
  • Dimensions: Textile: L. 52 in. (132.1 cm)
    W. 27 in. (68.6 cm)
    Mount: L. 58 3/16 in. (147.8 cm)
    W. 33 1/8 in. (84.1 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Woven
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1952
  • Object Number: 52.20.15
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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