Towel End
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Linen, silk, metal wrapped thread; plain weave, embroidered
Dimensions
H. 15 in. (38.1 cm) W. 19 in. (48.3 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Embroidered
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Anonymous Gift, 1879
Accession Number
79.1.265b
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite "Towel End" from the th century exemplifies the refined artistry of Islamic textiles, likely crafted in a region of the Ottoman Empire or broader Islamic world. Measuring 15 by 19 inches, this embroidered linen piece served as a decorative border for household linens, transforming everyday functional items into objects of beauty. Its floral motifs, rendered with vibrant silk threads and shimmering metal-wrapped strands, evoke the lush gardens celebrated in Islamic culture, symbolizing paradise and abundance. The artwork's plain weave linen foundation provided a sturdy yet finel...