A sumptuous addition to the Victoria and Albert Museum textile series, Ottoman Embroidery showcases in full color 150 stunning pieces from the museum"s extensive collection. Dating from the mid-16th to the early 20th century, such common household items as napkins, towels, kerchiefs, and trousers have become exotic with age, and their ornate patterns are sure to inspire contemporary needleworkers. Twelve specially commissioned diagrams illustrate intricate techniques like the double-sided stitch--a 500-year-old style of embroidery still practiced today by a few skilled artisans. To put the collection in context, an introductory text outlines the history of the Ottomans and their impact on European civilization. This image resource offers valuable information for fashion and interior designers.