Antique Ottoman Stained Glass Designs, Yenişehir, Set of Three Plates, 1924

Antique Ottoman Stained Glass Designs, Yenişehir, Set of Three Plates, Alexandre Raymond, 1924

This exceptional original set of three architectural plates illustrates traditional stained-glass window designs from Yenişehir (Yéni-Cheïr) in Anatolia, dating to around 1300. Published as Plates 39, 40, and 41 in Alexandre M. Raymond's monumental folio L'Art Islamique en Orient, IIe Partie, the works belong to one of the most important early twentieth-century surveys of Islamic decorative arts and architecture.

The plates document a remarkable range of early Anatolian ornamental traditions. The first sheet presents a pointed-arch window framed by richly coloured floral decoration beneath an elegant circular oculus. The second depicts a monumental stained-glass composition combining intricate arabesques, stylized vases, and geometric glazing patterns. The third plate focuses on a refined floral panel featuring scrolling vegetation and brilliant red blossoms against a pale blue ground.

These designs reveal the sophisticated artistic culture of early Ottoman and late Seljuk Anatolia, where architectural ornament united geometry, botany, and spirituality. Floral motifs inspired by paradise gardens coexist with carefully balanced architectural forms, reflecting the Islamic conception of harmony and divine order. The vibrant colours and ornamental richness anticipate the decorative achievements that would later flourish in classical Ottoman art.

Alexandre M. Raymond meticulously recorded these monuments during his travels through Turkey, preserving details that in many cases have subsequently deteriorated or disappeared. His publications remain essential references for historians, architects, designers, and collectors interested in Islamic art and architectural heritage.

The harmonious palette of soft blues, pale greens, warm ochres, and vivid cinnabar reds gives these sheets exceptional decorative appeal, whether displayed individually or as a unified triptych.

These prints are entirely original and date from 1924. They are sold unframed. Any framed illustrations shown elsewhere are intended solely for visual inspiration.

Condition: Good original condition with age-related toning, scattered foxing, minor handling wear, and occasional light marginal marks consistent with age. Colours remain vibrant and exceptionally well-preserved.

Framing recommendations: The three plates are ideally suited for presentation as a grouped installation using identical dark walnut or ebonized frames with wide ivory museum mats. Museum glass is recommended to preserve the delicate printed colours. Displayed together, they create a striking statement piece for both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Keywords: Yenişehir, Yéni-Cheïr, Ottoman stained glass, Islamic windows, Seljuk ornament, Anatolian architecture, Islamic decorative arts, floral motifs, arabesques, geometric design, Islamic architecture, Turkish heritage, Ottoman interiors, medieval Anatolia, architectural studies, Alexandre Raymond, L'Art Islamique en Orient, antique lithographs, stained glass designs, Islamic craftsmanship, paradise garden motifs, Ottoman floral ornament, Turkish art, architectural fragments, early Ottoman period, thirteenth century, fourteenth century.

Technique: Lithographs with printed colour.

Maker: Alexandre M. Raymond, French architect and scholar of Islamic architecture, Paris, 1924.

Original antique prints. Sold unframed. Framed images are for display inspiration only.