Note: Of the many arts patronised by the Ottoman court, silk textiles represent some of the finest examples. From the 15th century onwards, with the introduction of sericulture (silk production) to Turkey, weaving centres sprang up around Istanbul and the imperial court. ‘Voided’ velvets woven from silk-velvet pile and thread of silver or gold were among the most impressive and sought-after pieces. The velvet pile is ‘voided’, or contrasted, against areas of no pile, in which the precious metal-threads are exposed, producing the much-admired contrast between the metallic sheen of the thread and the rich hue of the velvet.

This panel is formed of two cushion covers, or yastik yüzü. In 17th century Bursa, home of the Ottoman silk industry, yastik were usually woven in pairs or in fours. Rarely however, do they survive together as ours do. They would decorate low benches – or sofa – that lined the walls of Ottoman interiors. The walls would themselves probably have been covered with brocade, adding to the atmosphere. Ottaviano Bon, a Venetian living in Istanbul between 1604 and 1607 wrote of the Sultan’s private rooms, ‘The floors…with their sofas…are about half a cubit from the ground…all covered with the richest Persian carpets…and the quilts for sitting on and the cushions to lean against were all of the finest brocades in gold and silk’ (quoted in Jennifer M. Wearden, Turkish Velvet Cushion Covers¸ London, 1986, p.1). This pair of fine Ottoman velvet yastik give an insight into the rich world of the Ottomans that Bon would have encountered on his travels.