The entari, or robe, was the primary garment of dress for women in the Ottoman Empire for several centuries. This finely embroidered example dates to the 19th Century, or earlier.
It is an exceptional piece of historical textile art, and certainly worthy of further research.
Measures 45 1/2" from top of collar to bottom of hem. Measures 22" from shoulder seam to bottom of cuff.
Fabric is strong, still has its integrity, with no dryrot or hidden damage. Some of the decorative border is loose, and would need to be reattached, if desired.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, ("the Met") has a very similar example in their permanent collection, which can be found online.
In the Met's description, they state: "This u�etek entari... is characteristic of an Ottoman woman�s fashionable outfit of the later nineteenth century and worn by women of middle and upper classes on special occasions. The hanging sleeves of this robe are only seamed from the underarm to the elbow...
A belt with a decorative girdle clasp or a fine sash would hold the entari together at the waist. While the overall shape corresponds to examples worn in Istanbul and other parts of Anatolia, the details of the robe present similarities with those of the Balkan tradition. These robes have long sleeves ending in split-palmette shaped cuffs with scalloped edges. Extensive use of passementerie trim bands made with metal thread is applied to mark the sections of the skirt, the robe�s edges, and the arms of the robe, and a fitted waist and a widening skirt. The wool twill of the garment is embellished with h�seyni embroidery known for its lavish use of silk, large amounts of metal thread, and applied sequins, which provides the garment with an attractive repeat pattern and a glittery appearance... Such elaborately embroidered fabrics were produced in Kutahya in western Anatolia, and in other places and were particularly popular among Balkan communities.
Authenticity is unconditionally guaranteed.
