EPIRUS OR IONIAN ISLANDS, OTTOMAN GREECE, 18TH CENTURY

This highly decorative silk-embroidered panel was likely part of a larger set made for a bedspread. There was a long tradition of the production of embroidered textiles in the Greek islands going back to the 15^th century with a distinct set of motifs and visual vocabulary. Over time more Ottoman-inspired elements and colours are detectable as Ottoman culture grew stronger in Epirus and the surrounding islands. Our textile is unusual for the repeated double-headed eagle motifs which alternate with a seated fantastical looking figure. A similar impressive figural silk panel was sold in these Rooms, 16 November 2021, lot 649.