Headkerchief (tensifa)
Unknown Artist
1700s
Medium
Linen, silk, gold, silver, dye
Dimensions
260.4 × 40.6 cm
Classification
Embroidery
Department
Textiles
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade
Accession Number
1916.1237
About this artwork
This beautiful kerchief, worn wrapped around the head, was part of elegant bathing equipment that well-to-do women wore while relaxing in a hammam after bathing. The floral and foliate embroidery reflect a fashion that lasted for more than a century. This example is dominated by brilliant crimson and blue silk stitches.