Large, Rare Ottoman Embroidered Ceremonial Metal-Thread & Purple Velvet Circular Sinni Tray or Table Cover (Sofra Bezi)

This large and spectacular circular purple silk-velvet tray or table cover is richly embroidered and couched in gilt metal-thread and metal  sequins.

It is decorated with radiating arabesques and palmettes.

Raised areas of couching probably are in higher relief due to cardboard inserts having been added beneath the couching. (Couched supported gold work was known as the dival technique.)

Such covers were used to decorate table tops but also to lay inside round trays from which coffee and small meals might have been served in the palaces and aristocratic houses of Istanbul.

Serving coffee to guests was an important ritual among the well-to-do in Istanbul and the wealth and success of the household was reflected in the opulence of the tray coverlet that was used.