Art Institute of Chicago

Cover

Republic of Türkiye

Date

17th century

Medium

Linen, plain weave; embroidered with silk floss in running stitches, pattern darning; main warp fringe

Culture

Republic of Türkiye

Department

Textiles

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Small, rectangular panels like this example are sometimes referred to as mirror covers, used to hang over mirrors as talismans to ward off the evil eye, a curse believed to be cast by a malevolent stare caused by jealousy or envy. They might also be used as covers for serving trays or for Qur'ans resting on reading stands. Embroidery represented domestic production that, at least until the early 18th century, imitated the more costly silks and velvets popular at the imperial court. Here, the embroidered pattern consists of pomegranate fruits, leaves, and scrolling vines.

The authoritative record is held by Art Institute of Chicago. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.