Ask anyone where tulips originated and the answer will likely be: Holland. Actually, commercial cultivation of the tulip (or lale) began in the Ottoman Empire. As a matter of fact, there was an entire era in Ottoman history known as the Lale Devri (Tulip Period). Lasting from 1718 to 1730, this was a relatively peaceful period during which the Ottoman Empire began to orient itself towards Europe.
According to Wikipedia:
… the word tulip, which earlier appeared in English in forms such as tulipa or tulipant, entered the language by way of French tulipe and its obsolete form tulipan or by way of Modern Latin tulīpa, from Ottoman Turkish tülbend (“muslin” or “gauze”), and is ultimately derived from Persian dulband (“turban”).
Stylized tulip images were used in Ottoman art and could be found in everything ranging from fine fabrics to tile-work. My rendition is more realistic — here is Lale Zamanı …
Tulips are one of the most popular and anticipated of the spring flowers. I’m hoping that posting this blog entry on the last day of February will hasten the arrival of spring. I’m ready to put winter behind me.
I miss cross-stitching!..geez..nice work Erin!..love tulips..have you ever been to LaConner in Washington State during the tulip festival??
ReplyDeleteWell, that was an interesting bit of information...I didn't know. Your work is beautiful as always and I join you in hoping for an early spring.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely!
ReplyDeleteGood thing you've given us a conceivable reason for quitting this art. The pursuit of new hobbies and inspired new learning experiences is the only acceptable excuse ;)
Comment from S/Malone ... original seems to have gone into black hole of the web:
ReplyDelete"Such beautiful work! We saw lots of tulips in the Iznik tiles in Turkey. I also bought a wonderful plate from there that has tulips images as well. I learn so much from you! "