Gomlek Undershirt

late 19th–early 20th century

Not on view

This undershirt, or gomlek, would have been worn by Ottoman women under an entari (robe), either tucked into baggy trousers or left outside. The gomlek was generally made of a plain white or off-white cotton or silk fabric, some more lightweight than others. This is a particularly elegant example, made of white silk woven in alternating stripes of plain weave and gauze (a relaxed weave structure with twisted wefts). The structure of the loose-fitting garment is typical, made from a single loom width of fabric folded at the shoulders, with additional loom width pieces making up the sleeves and an extra piece of fabric used to form the top of the sleeve from shoulder to wrist. The center front opening, and sleeves are trimmed with a multicolor needle lace (oya) and small metal sequins.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Gomlek Undershirt
Date: late 19th–early 20th century
Geography: Made in Turkey
Medium: Silk
Dimensions: Overall:
H. 63 in. (160 cm)
W. 50 in. (127 cm)
Classification: Main dress-Womenswear
Credit Line: Purchase, Martin and Caryl Horwitz Gift, 1991
Object Number: 1991.217.2
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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