This black velvet jacket belonged to an 18th-century Ottoman dignitary. It features a symmetrical floral pattern stitched in gold thread using the bindalli technique and is further embellished with sequins and beads.
The term bindalli (or bindallı in Turkish), meaning "a thousand branches," refers to the intricate embroidered decoration, executed in a style called dival, characterized by the use of metal-wrapped threads and couching.
The jacket has an interlocking pattern along the edges and is lined with pink fabric. The Ottoman dignitary’s attire is completed by black velvet pleated baggy trousers (salvar or vraka [=βράκα]), also adorned with floral motifs in the bindalli technique.
The trousers feature a leg opening decorated with orange and gold trim.
CST_00190 > Ottoman Dignitary’s Costume – jacket and vraka, velvet, bindalli, 18th Century.
The 'Sneak Peek' series is supported by OPAP (Cyprus).
