Page 194 - The Age of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent

119. Seraser ceremonial kaftan with pinecone pattern, mid-sixteenth century
(istanbul, Topkapi Sarayi Miizesi, 13/9)

The fabric appears to have come into fashion in the middle collar appears at its base. The gold field provides contrast to
of the sixteenth century. One of the earliest seraser ceremo- the main themes. Similar to all brocaded silks, the silver tone
nial kaftans (119) is decorated with a series of large stylized is created by strips of silver metal wrapped around a white
silver pinecones enclosed by flamelike rose-colored borders silk core, while the gold tone is achieved either by gold or by
and filled with pistachio-green and rose-colored scalloped gilded silver strips wrapped around a yellow silk core. In
motifs. Each cone has a spray of blossoms and leaves growing some examples of seraser the same golden effect is achieved
from its apex, while a stubby trunk with a scalloped cloud by using silver strips on yellow silk.

Detail, 118 193