Hanging
Unknown Artist
17th–18th century
Medium
Velvet; embroidered
Dimensions
H. 156 in. (396.2 cm) W. 66 in. (167.6 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Embroidered
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Eleanor Cross Marquand, in memory of her husband Allan Marquand, 1950
Accession Number
50.97.1
Art Historical Context
This magnificent *Hanging* from the 17th–18th century exemplifies the opulent textile traditions of the Islamic world. Crafted from luxurious velvet and richly embroidered, it measures an imposing 156 inches high by 66 inches wide— enough to adorn the wall of a grand palace hall or mosque interior. Such monumental pieces were prized for their ability to transform spaces, serving as both decorative screens and symbols of wealth and piety. Embroidered textiles like this one highlight masterful techniques honed over centuries in regions from the Ottoman Empire to Persia and India. The velvet bas...