Bursa Kemha Kaftan Fragment

The Bursa Kemha Kaftan Fragment is a richly textured fabric woven with silk and silver thread. It carries the carnation and tulip motifs used in palace kaftans of the period

Object details

• Inventory no.: OKM-2014-0701
• Period / date: Ottoman – 17. yüzyıl
• Material: Textile
• Place: Bursa
• Dimensions: 52 × 68 cm (parça)
• Gallery: Gallery 3 – Thread and Pattern

The story of the object

In the 17th century Bursa was the Ottoman centre of silk cloth. 'Kemha' was one of the most expensive fabrics, with metal thread and silk woven together. The weft structure on the back of the fragment shows the cloth was truly woven with silver thread, not embroidered. The fragment is displayed for only six months a year because of light sensitivity.

Acquisition and display status

From collector Ömür Hanımoğlu's core collection. The work is currently on display. An audio-guide commentary is available; you can pick up an audio guide at the desk.

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