Sampler

This sampler with 14 borders of 'Oya' lace was made in Turkey in the late 19th century.

The sampler has meticulously-worked designs of flowers, fruit, wheat and lions. Oya lace is made with a needle and silk or linen thread. Endless series of knots are made to form a continuous strip of ribbon. These are laid in sequence or further worked into flowers, leaves, trees, fruit, animals or even intricate landscapes. Often Oya lace is also worked in a three-dimensional manner to form flowers and fruit.

Varied types of needlecraft played an important role in Turkish domestic life especially in the preparation of dress accessories such as headscarves and underwear. Oya lace was also used to decorate napkins and handkerchiefs. The technique is said to be very ancient and references to its use go back to the 16th century. Main centres for the best oya work were Smyrna and the eastern shore of the Bosphorus.

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