Ottoman tülbent (head scarf/shawl) with gold embroidery and a calligraphic border. Ottoman Empire, probably Istanbul–Bursa. 19th century. Ultra-fine silk gauze (plain 1/1), hand “sirma” gold embroidery (couching, satin, laid); continuous celi sülüs/divani border; terminal bouquet in mihrab/palmette cartouche with paired crescents and radiant stars; scattered florals/calligraphic elements. Produced for and used by affluent Muslim urban households; elite city workshop level (non-palace).
A long, lightweight scarf of very fine silk gauze (plain weave 1/1), intended to be worn on the head and shoulders (type tülbent). The decoration is executed in gold embroidery; by morphology and ornamentation it is ceremonial, used in festive or gift-giving contexts.
Where and how it may have been used
• As a tülbent/basörtüsü — a formal women’s head-and-shoulder scarf for public outings: visits to the mosque, feast days (Bayram), family ceremonies. The 210 × 50 cm format, ultra-thin silk g
...auze, and gilded embroidery, unsuitable for everyday wear, point to this.
• As part of a dowry (ēeyiz) — a “sirma islemeli tülbent” was almost obligatory in a bride’s chest. Worn rarely, more often displayed on kina gecesi (henna night) and at the wedding.
• Less commonly — as a personal prayer head covering in the mosque (a private “clean” head cloth).
The combination of features — a continuous calligraphic border with blessings and the crescent-and-star — gives the piece a ceremonial, “public” aesthetic: it was meant to be shown, not hidden.
Probable owner
• A woman from a prosperous urban household of the late Ottoman period (Istanbul/Bursa and major provincial centers): the wife or daughter of an official, military officer, scholar, or wealthy merchant.
Dating: late Ottoman, c. 1870–1910. Size: 210 × 50 cm.
Condition: fragile ground; central longitudinal tear with old darning (part reopened); localized losses/weakening to metal thread; stains and uneven toning; minor pinholes/snags along folds; edges intact. Overall “fragile/fair”.
Discreet note: the purchase of such a piece is not only a generous gift that signals profound regard for its recipient, but also a long-term investment.
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1097967
Dateline of this antique is 19th Century
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