About this sheet
Antique Ottoman Stained Glass Window Design Print, Yenişehir, Anatolia, Raymond, 1924
This original architectural plate illustrates a remarkable stained-glass façade design from Yenişehir (Yéni-Cheïr) in northwestern Anatolia, dated to around 1300. Published as Plate 38 in Alexandre M. Raymond's celebrated folio *L'Art Islamique en Orient – IIe Partie*, the work forms part of one of the most important early twentieth-century surveys of Islamic architecture and decorative arts.
The composition presents an elegant elevation of a multi-tiered architectural arrangement featuring ornamental stained-glass windows, carved panels, geometric borders, and Arabic calligraphy. Two pointed-arch upper windows display richly stylized floral ornament, while the lower registers combine coloured glazing with intricate latticework. The entire façade is unified through harmonious proportions and subtle decorative bands rendered in soft terracotta, pale blue, and warm ivory tones.
These designs belong to the artistic traditions that emerged during the late Seljuk and early Ottoman periods. In Anatolia, stained glass was not merely decorative but also symbolic, transforming natural light into an expression of spiritual beauty. Floral motifs alluded to the gardens of paradise, while geometric patterns reflected ideals of order, harmony, and divine perfection.
Alexandre M. Raymond carefully documented these architectural fragments during his extensive travels through Turkey. His measured drawings preserve details that remain invaluable to historians, architects, restorers, and collectors. The gentle colour palette and balanced composition give this plate exceptional decorative appeal, equally suited to traditional and contemporary interiors.
This print is entirely original and dates from 1924. It is sold unframed. Any framed illustrations are shown for visual inspiration only.
Condition: Good original condition with age-related toning, scattered foxing, minor marginal wear, and light handling marks consistent with age. Colours remain soft yet vibrant, and the image retains excellent clarity and detail.
Framing recommendations: The vertical composition is ideally suited to a wide ivory museum mat and a dark walnut or ebonized frame with subtle gilt detailing inspired by Ottoman interiors. Museum glass is recommended to preserve the delicate printed colours and fine architectural details.
Keywords: Yenişehir, Yéni-Cheïr, Ottoman stained glass, Islamic windows, Seljuk architecture, Anatolian decorative arts, Arabic calligraphy, floral ornament, Islamic geometry, Ottoman interiors, Turkish heritage, architectural elevation, medieval Anatolia, Islamic craftsmanship, sacred architecture, Alexandre Raymond, L'Art Islamique en Orient, antique lithograph, stained glass design, Islamic art, Ottoman architecture, early Ottoman period, thirteenth century, fourteenth century, Turkish decorative arts.
Technique: Lithograph with printed colour.
Maker: Alexandre M. Raymond, French architect and scholar of Islamic architecture, Paris, 1924.
Original antique print. Sold unframed. Framed images are for display inspiration only.
