A PAIR OF 'ZOUK' SILK AND METAL-THREAD TEXTILES Ottoman Empire,...
A PAIR OF 'ZOUK' SILK AND METAL-THREAD TEXTILES
Ottoman Empire, Zouk Mikael, Lebanon, 19th century
Rectangular panels made of white silk, decorated with a flowery garden composed of a row of pointed grasses and polychrome flowering plants embroidered with silk and silver threads in shades of red, green, ochre, and light blue.
66cm x 180cm
The weavers of Zouk Mikael mastered and refined the Syrian Nawl technique, producing abayas vests, household textiles, wall tapestries, capes, scarves, trousseaux, ecclesiastical costumes, altar clothscapes and scarves decorated with gold, silver and colorful motifs. These textiles are characterized by intricate patterns, precise figures and rich decorative effects. Many Zoukiote families excelled in Nawl production and passed this skill down through generations. Zouk Mikael became a renowned center of textile production, exporting its luxurious fabrics throughout Syria, Egypt, Europe and other provinces of the Ottoman Empire. Often these textile were first sent to Aleppo or Istanbul for finishing.
A PAIR OF 'ZOUK' SILK AND METAL-THREAD TEXTILES
Ottoman Empire, Zouk Mikael, Lebanon, 19th century
Rectangular panels made of white silk, decorated with a flowery garden composed of a row of pointed grasses and polychrome flowering plants embroidered with silk and silver threads in shades of red, green, ochre, and light blue.
66cm x 180cm
The weavers of Zouk Mikael mastered and refined the Syrian Nawl technique, producing abayas vests, household textiles, wall tapestries, capes, scarves, trousseaux, ecclesiastical costumes, altar clothscapes and scarves decorated with gold, silver and colorful motifs. These textiles are characterized by intricate patterns, precise figures and rich decorative effects. Many Zoukiote families excelled in Nawl production and passed this skill down through generations. Zouk Mikael became a renowned center of textile production, exporting its luxurious fabrics throughout Syria, Egypt, Europe and other provinces of the Ottoman Empire. Often these textile were first sent to Aleppo or Istanbul for finishing.
