Page 211 - The Age of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent

144. Kemha fragment with ogival pattern (detail), second half sixteenth
century (New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 49.32.79)

ralistic flowers seen in the previous kemha; in addition, it
displays the trefoils with pendants, cloud bands, and knotted
branches frequently employed in manuscript illuminations.
The same weave and pattern appear on a rare purple-
ground fragment (144), which might have been a part of a
chasuble. The gold bands forming the ogival medallions are
decorated with scrolls bearing purple and red tulips and rose-
buds, and are framed by articulated ivory strips outlined in
red. The ogival medallions enclose gold lobed ovals bordered
by flamelike ivory bands; in the center of each is a spray with
a central tulip flanked by a variety of spring flowers growing
from a central source. The flowers used on this textile include 145. Kemha fragment with ogival pattern, second half
irises and narcissi in addition to the more common rosebuds, sixteenth century (New York, The Metropolitan Museum of
Art,
52.20.22)
carnations, and tulips; its purple ground is also uncommon. 71
A variation of the same pattern (145) shows bright blue
bands enclosing gold ogival medallions with ivory and rosy
beige used to accentuate certain elements. The bands are dec-
orated with two superimposed gold scrolls; one bears pome-

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