Part of a Cover with Design of Ogival Medallions

The design on this pieced textile imitates the pomegranate or artichoke patterns of Turkish woven silks. In the main field are twelve units in four horizontal rows, framed at top and bottom by a narrow edging of palmettes. On the left and right is a vertical row of four units set sideways and edged on the long sides with a palmette design. The numerous colors include yellow, green, pale blue, buff, cream, and deep blue-green. There are some areas where the tarnished silver threads are visible, but many of them are gone due to use. Woven silk was an important part of the Ottoman economy and was a significant commodity yielding much income to the state coffers. It was also an indication of private wealth and ranked along with precious stones and metals as a marker of affluence.