Pair of Cut Velvet Yastiks

Yastiks are rectangular divan cushion covers. Because of frequent shortages and high cost of silk, heavier fabrics such as those for furnishings had the appearance of silk but were economically bulked out with linen and cotton.Most yastiks were made in Istanbul in the old Venetian quarter of Scutari. Their bold patterning resemble manuscript illumination with calligraphy and flowers and there is usually a large central medallion.