Lampas with roundels of the image of Christ in benedictory pose

1550–1650
Overall: 36.5 x 33.7 cm (14 3/8 x 13 1/4 in.); Mounted: 41.3 x 38.7 cm (16 1/4 x 15 1/4 in.)
Location: not on view
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.

Download, Print and Share

Did You Know?

Around the crosses in silver thread is the inscription, IC XC N K meaning "Jesus Christ Victorious."

Description

Ottoman manufacturers also wove luxury silks with Christian images for the largest markets outside of the reigning sultans, whose need for luxury fabrics was voracious, targeting the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the state of Muscovy (Moscow), which lacked silk industries. Worn as majestic church vestments, they were prized signifiers of the power and wealth of the Eastern Orthodox church.

Christian imagery is often displayed in small medallion patterns, as seen here, woven in the standard Ottoman lampas technique. In this highest grade lampas with extensive gilt-metal thread, small medallions enclose half-length images of Christ in a benedictory pose alternating with crosses. The abbreviated inscription in the roundel, IC XC, translates as "Jesus Christ."
Lampas with roundels of the image of Christ in benedictory pose

Lampas with roundels of the image of Christ in benedictory pose

1550–1650

Turkey, Bursa, Ottoman period

Visually Similar by AI

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.