Brocaded silk with foliate medallions from a kaftan

Cleveland Museum of Art

Red, black, and beige brocaded silk with foliate medallions from a kaftan. The rectangular piece of fabric is lying flat on a surface, oriented vertically. The background of the fabric is red between the patterns. The pattern consists of four identical medallions arranged in two columns of two rows. Each medallion is a black rounded square with a floral design in beige, red and green. The medallions are outlined with a beige scalloped border. The floral design within each medallion consists of a central flower or rosette surrounded by leaves and four curved teardrop-shaped motifs. The medallions are connected by curved tendrils with leaves. The fabric has a smooth sheen and appears to be made of silk. The edges of the fabric are rough and uneven, suggesting it was cut from a larger piece. The background behind the fabric is plain and off-white.