SKILL OF THE HAND DELIGHT OF THE EYE - Ottoman Embroideries in the Sadberk Hanım Museum Collection

07 December 2012 - 26 May 2013

Since Sadberk Hanım Museum was established it has continued to acquire the finest examples of Ottoman period embroideries, creating a collection of exceptional diversity and breadth. The 'Skill of the Hand Delight of the Eye' exhibition now presents this superb collection to art lovers. The core of the collection, which now numbers nearly 2000 pieces, is the personal collection made by Sadberk Hanım, the beloved wife of Vehbi Koç, who was passionately interested in Ottoman embroidery.

The exhibition is accompanied by a lavish exhibition catalogue comprising 167 objects that illustrate the richness and diversity of the embroideries that played such an essential role in Ottoman life. Through these selected pieces, visitors to the exhibition gain insight into the story of Ottoman embroideries over a period of more than 300 years, between the 17th and early 20th centuries. Embroidery is one of the oldest of the decorative arts, and changes in style over the centuries parallel those of other Ottoman arts, such as textiles, tiles and metalwork.  Whether at magnificent palace ceremonies or in the activities of ordinary daily life, embroideries served a myriad of functions for Ottoman people. Ranging from items of clothing to military equipment, embroidery was widely used to decorate artefacts of many different kinds, enabling embroidery to develop as a separate trade and leading to the production of exquisite masterpieces that are true works of art. Craftsmen and craftswomen poured their skill and creativity into finely worked artefacts embroidered with beautiful designs that were often inspired by flower gardens.