Artwork Details
66 x 168 in.
Accession NumberThe Eliza M. and Sarah L. Niblack Collection
CopyrightEliza M. and Sarah L. Niblack collection; through Sarah Niblack, Indianapolis (1932); the Indianapolis Museum of Art {1}. {1} accessioned into the collection 1983
Only the wealthiest families in Morocco owned gold-embroidered wall hangings of this type. This luxurious textile is composed of seven panels of alternating crimson red and emerald green velvet fabrics, which were elaborately embroidered with metallic threads. This complicated gold-thread embroidery technique required custom-made leather templates precisely cut to create the intricate filigree pattern. Professional male embroiderers then used gold threads to cover only the visible side of the leather templates, thus ensuring that none of the precious metallic thread was wasted.
These textiles were displayed on special occasions, such as the seven-day celebration following a marriage ceremony, when they were hung behind the bride and the groom. The principal motif, the arch—an architectural element mostly seen in mosques—creates a splendid interlaced setting.
Exhibition Name
Venue
Dates
Fabrics in Celebration - From the Collection
Indianapolis Museum of Art
September 7, 1983 - October 23, 1983
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