'fabled fabrics' exhibition at MAK vienna, austria

festive dress turkey, 18th century silk, cotton, tambour embroidery; h. 136 cm, w. 197 cm © MAK/georg mayer

MAK, vienna will be presenting a collection of ottoman textiles in an upcoming exhibition entitled ‘fabled fabrics’. the presentation includes decorative scarves, turban wraps, patterned silk fabrics, and a silk festive garb with artful embroidery from 16th to 18th century turkey and a number of middle-eastern and north-african countries. fabrics for domestic uses such as napkins, hand towels, sashes, cushion cases, draperies and blankets will also be on view for the first time in MAK. the exhibition will run from july 1, 2009 until feburary 7th, 2010.

detail of a festive dress turkey, 18th century silk, cotton, tambour embroidery; h. 136 cm, w. 197 cm © MAK/georg mayer detail of a festive dress turkey, 18th century silk, cotton, tambour embroidery; h. 136 cm, w. 197 cm © MAK/georg mayer lace pouch turkey, 19th century silk, metal thread, needle lace (bibila lace); h. 13 cm, w. 10 cm © MAK/georg mayer

saddlecloth (detail) turkey, 2nd half 16th century silk, cotton, leather, knitted fabric; h. 45 (138) cm, w. 99 cm © MAK/georg mayer

towel/napkin (detail) with weeping willows turkey, 19th century linen, silk, metal thread, double-sided embroidery; h. 94 cm, w. 52 cm © MAK/georg mayer

towel/napkin (detail) with mosques turkey, 19th century cotton, silk, metal thread, double-sided embroidery; h. 91 cm, w. 48 cm © MAK/georg mayer