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Unknown Maker, Albanian

woman's robe (yelek)

Maker

Unknown Maker, Albanian

Culture

Albanian

Title

woman's robe (yelek)

Year

late 1800s

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

bead, silk, metallic yarn

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Philip Adams

Object Number

73.086.3

Type

Publications

Exhibition History

Sartorial Sanctuary
Clothing and Traditions in the Eastern Islamic World
Dec 19, 2008 – Apr 26, 2009

Label copy

Starting in the mid-14th century, Albania fell under the umbrella of Ottoman rule, and thus inherited many of the social and artistic traditions of the Islamic world. Particularly in the southern part of the country, the influence of Turkish aesthetics inspired vibrant reactions, here evident in the presentation of gold embroidery on red velvet (see also the man’s kaftan in this gallery) and in the arabesque motifs on the garment.

The style of this ceremonial robe approximates that of the Persian anteri and Egyptian yelek also on view in this case, and, like these garments, would have coordinated with an equally sumptuous sleeveless robe, an undershirt or dress, and trousers, or salwar. Such extravagant embroidered work would likely have been made by women of high enough status that they could afford to spend their time at home in seclusion.

Cloth of Kings
Jan 25, 1985 – Feb 24, 1985
Ceremonial Costumes
Sep 13, 1973 – Oct 14, 1973

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Albanian
woman's robe (yelek), late 1800s
silk, metallic yarn, metallic ribbon, beads; velvet, embroidered, appliqué, braid trim,
Gift of Philip Adams 73.086.3

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