Art Institute of Chicago

Towel or Napkin

Republic of Türkiye

Date

19th century

Medium

Linen, plain weave; embroidered with silk; extended plied warp fringe

Culture

Republic of Türkiye

Department

Textiles

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

In 19th-century hammams , or public baths, bath towels and kerchiefs were some of the most popular and intricately made items. Bath towels were only embroidered on the edges, leaving the middle section bare for drying the body; here, someone embroidered stylized depictions of rosewater sprinklers, small bottles used to scent rooms and refresh guests in hammam and bath settings. Women wrapped kerchiefs on their heads as they transitioned to the cold room afterward. In hammams, women were able to showcase items from their dowries, their skillful hand embroidery, and social status with decorative bath coats, clogs, towels, and wrappers. —Atlas Defne Erkan (Turkish), graduate student in art history, University of Edinburgh; School of the Art Institute of Chicago (BFA 2025)

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