Review by Choice Review
The Ottoman textiles at The Textile Museum, Washington, images of which are assembled here by curator Krody, range from the 17th through 20th centuries, when the imperial palace in Istanbul was a major commissioner and arbitrator of style. These flower-embroidered textiles include seat covers, towels, napkins, and wrapping cloths for domestic use as well as fabrics for dress, turban covers, slippers, and head scarves. Embroidering textiles for ceremonial use, such as trousseaus displayed at weddings, occupied women in harems, but they also did commercial work that contributed to the flourishing trade along with men who worked in workshops producing such items as tents, boots, and saddles. Starting with the history of the Ottoman Empire from the 14th century, Krody delineates the political, economic, geographical, and cultural changes that affected the lives of Ottoman subjects up through the 20th century. She discusses the distinct Ottoman designs, materials, techniques, and end uses of the textiles, including excerpts from early travelers' accounts of contemporary dress. Beautiful color pictures of The Textile Museum collection accompanied by scholarly entries, and of art work depicting the domestic life in the empire, illustrate this fascinating volume. Glossary; extensive bibliography. General readers; undergraduates through professionals. M. Tulokas; Rhode Island School of Design
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
