Apron and towel from a barber's set Turkey Ottoman Empire 19th century The Textile Museum 1985.48.1A and B Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William O. Baxter This apron and towel from a barber's set were created for special use to prepare a groom for his wedding. On this example the technique used to create the floral imagery was called kasnak isi (tambour work) taking its name from the round frame used. Flowers were the most prominent element in compositions of Ottoman embroidered textiles as well as in other Ottoman decorative arts. Under the influence of European Rococo floral sprigs of the 18th century gradually became lavish floral bouquets or garlands in the 19th century like those seen on this barber's set. Learn how barbers' sets were used to prepare a groom for the wedding ceremony. Structural information for these objects Previous | Next Back to Thumbnails © 2001, The Textile Museum, 2320 S Street, NW; Washington, DC 20008