Kaftans and fabric and museums, oh my!

[soldiergrrrl]

You know, I'd heard about the fabrics used by the Ottoman Empire.  I really had.  I'd heard they were gorgeous and luxurious and on and on and on...

Yeah, and then I found these two websites, The Topkapi Palace Museum, and Imperial Garments, and I about freakin' fell over.  I'm so sad that we don't have the same amount of stuff extant from the Byzantine Empire, because that's what I'd love to see, but this gives me some ideas of other stuff to do with my caftan patterns.

Seriously, take a look at those pages, and if you don't fall over ded from the sheer sumptuousness of the fabric, you are a better wo/man than me.

If you're inclined to look at pictures, take a peek under here.  (These are NOT my photographs.  They belong to the museum and to the original photographer.) 

   





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 How stunning are these?  I mean, wow.  Inspiration has struck, y'all.  Now, I just need a clone.  Well, about six of them, really.

Comments

[fieryredhead.livejournal.com]

If you ever get a chance you shuld check out this book: http://www.amazon.com/Ipek-Crescent-Imperial-Ottoman-Velvets/dp/1898592195/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2DU5FTBKPZCKT&colid=3MQXSYIOGVTLJ

I have it checked out currently from a local library (have to return it today though); you will love it.

[soldiergrrrl.livejournal.com]

Want. Oh, just want.

[exvapi.livejournal.com]

Those pictures remind me of an exhibit some years ago at the National Art Museum in DC.
The subject of the exhibit was "The Treasure Houses of Britain" and showcased stuff the National Trust had obtained as they took over the various manor houses/castles from the heirs. Saved the heirs all the upkeep and taxes.
The item that I still remember vividly was a four post bed, with all the tapestry and bed coverings. It was made for a bride to take to her new home, she from a peerage family and he being one, it was quite something. What made the items stand out hoiwever was it had never been used, or even unpacked in 400 years. She move in, he had perfectly acceptable bedrooms in his castle, so it was left in the original shipping crates. No light fading, no sweating bodies, no moths, no rats to cause any damage or aging whatsoever.
The colors of the needle work were just amazing

[soldiergrrrl.livejournal.com]

Oh. My. God. I would have loved to see that.

It's like a trip back in time, and what a trip it is!

[dekarch.livejournal.com]

Do keep in mind that a lot of Ottoman, especially early Ottoman stuff was heavily "inspired by" late Empire stuff.

:)

[soldiergrrrl.livejournal.com]

Very true...:-D Heh. This is cool. You're going to DIE when you see this caftan. DIE. It's so PINK it's scary.

[moropus.livejournal.com]

drooling here.