Ashmolean Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

Ottoman interiors were comfortably furnished with carpets and cushions. Woven and embroidered textiles of different kinds were used for bedding and as throws, fireplace covers, cushion covers and wall hangings. These were folded and stored in cupboards fitted in the walls when not in use.

Given its size, this large embroidered textile probably functioned as a wall hanging. It is made of three panels of undyed cotton embroidered with coloured silk threads. Embroidery enabled the craftsmen to create complex, multi-coloured patterns without having to weave them into the fabric.

Tulips, pomegranates and elongated, serrated leaves are part of the Ottoman decorative repertoire and are found in ceramics as well as works on paper.