Ottoman costume albums
Calligraphy and drawing in manuals from Berlin libraries and the State and University library Bremen

05.05.2005 to 31.07.2005

Pergamonmuseum

The Museum für Islamische Kunst (Museum for Islamic Art) is showing a special selection of costume manuals in this exhibition: unknown water colours of the 17th century from the art library meet famous calligraphy, both of which witness the richness of Ottoman costume, particularly for courtly use.

The splendid and imaginative garments of honour and the insignias of Ottoman society hold great fascination, which has been stimulated by costume albums produced from the middle of the 16th century. The early examples were made partly in Istanbul, and were sold in the bazaars. Most are copied samples, with indications that they draw on an Ottoman master copy.