Lot 321: AN OTTOMAN BALKAN GOLD-THREAD EMBROIDERED RED VELVET JELEK, LATE 19TH OR EARLY 20TH CENTURY

An Ottoman embroidered red velvet vest, or jelek, likely originating from the Balkan regions of the Ottoman Empire during the late 19th or early 20th century. The sleeveless, open-front garment is constructed from a vibrant red velvet ground and is lined with a cream-coloured satin fabric. The exterior is extensively embellished with dense, symmetrical embroidery using couched gold-tone metallic cords. The decorative programme features a variety of traditional motifs, including scrolling volutes, feathered foliate fronds, stylized floral sprigs, and four-lobed clover-like flowers. The edges of the vest are finished with a twisted metallic braid trim. The front opening and the bottom hem are further decorated with a series of small, spherical metallic buttons or pendant drops.

L: 39cm