Ottoman Empire, Balkans, Albania or Greece, 19th century - Lot 17

Ottoman Empire, Balkans, Albania or Greece, 19th century Ottoman "piri piri" wedding coat Beautiful sleeveless dress, with scalloped hemline and basqued back, in black felt embroidered with gold thread appliqué in the "terzidiko" technique, decorated on the front with scrolls of stylized floral motifs and wide gold braids. The basqued back is finely decorated with long floral arabesques (as is, wear and tear, minor accidents). Height Height : 110 cm Provenance: Collection of sculptor Etienne Martin (1913-1995), Paris; Tradart sale, Deauville, 2015. This coat is illustrated in the report on Etienne-Martin's studio, Quai Bourbon, Île Saint Louis in The World of Interiors, June 2000, p. 153. This beautiful sleeveless coat is specific to the region of Ioannina, capital of Epirus. These ceremonial coats, worn by women from the Muslim and Christian communities of the Balkans, are handed down from mother to daughter. The "terzidiko" technique is characterized by the use of gold thread sewn onto the felt, with Ottoman and Greek-influenced decorations.