Albanian

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.