WOVEN HISTORY
Hala Cochrane has a passion for collecting pieces that originate from the O oman Empire. Asian antiques expert Jasleen Kandhari gives us more detail on this fascinating area
This stunning Ottoman silk velvet panel, with its classic carnation pattern, dates from the early 1600s.
The O!oman Empire is appreciated today for the highly pa!erned and brightly hued textiles and ceramics produced during its rule – which, as well as having high aesthetic appeal, also demonstrate incredibly "ne cra#smanship. Pieces from towards the end of the era can be bought for a few hundred pounds but, for a high-quality item that has survived from the Empire’s golden age, prices can – and do – reach six "gures.
Far-reaching In"uence
The scope of the Empire – through time and geographically – is vast. Established in the 13th century in Anatolia, with the overthrowing of the Byzantine Empire, it was in power for the following 700 years. Its golden age, in which a range of highly decorative arts proliferated, occurred during the 16th and 17th centuries. During this time, it encompassed a huge region – from the Mediterranean Sea across to China.
The Persian Impact
While the heart of the empire was Turkey, the culture had a Persian $avour. Arabic was spoken and used to produce "ne calligraphic works of art. Decorative pieces from the O!oman Empire are characterised by $oral and geometric motifs and a bold arrangement of pa!erns, which can be seen on carpets, ceramics, tiles, silverware, illuminated manuscripts and even daggers.
Collectable Today
Antiques from the early periods of the empire rarely come onto the market, with the earliest pieces tending to date from the 17th and, occasionally, 16th centuries. The renowned glazed and painted earthenware po!ery, Iznik ware, was produced between the 15th and 17th centuries and characterised by the use of stylised $oral motifs of tulips, carnations, roses and hyacinths in bright blues, greens and – in the later period of production – painted in red pigment made from Armenian bole (earthy clay). Iznik vessels and tiles in good condition can usually sell for £3,000-£10,000.
Sought-a#er Designs
Carpetweaving was an important industry during the O!oman Empire, especially the production of woollen $atweave kilim rugs and plush kno!edpile carpets. The textiles were decorated primarily with symmetrical geometrical pa!erns but also featured motifs, such as vases, animals, Turkish $oral pa!erns and medallion designs. O!oman rugs in good condition can generate high prices. During Islamic art season in London this April, large 16th-century Ushak medallion-design carpets fetched over £100,000 at auction.
Where To See
The Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul features the "nest collection of O!oman antiques or, closer to home, there’s The British Museum. If you’re looking to buy, keep your eyes peeled for the biannual Islamic art seasons at Bonhams, Christie’s and Sotheby’s (usually in April and October).