A 'ZOUK' SILK AND METAL-THREAD ALEPPO KAFTAN (ABAYA) Aleppo, Syria,...
A 'ZOUK' DECORATED ALEPPO KAFTAN (ABAYA)
Aleppo, Syria, late 19th century
Worked in gold thread embroidery on a red wool ground, a polychrome floral decoration set against a gilt ground is centred on the back of the garment, a feature that typically conveyed symbolic meanings, including protection and the wearer's social and religious status, robes of this type were commonly produced in the workshops of Aleppo; this is an example of the Syrian nawl technique, used to produce abayas, vests, household textiles, wall tapestries, capes, scarves, trousseaux, ecclesiastical vestments, altar cloths and other textiles decorated with gold, silver, and colourful motifs; these textiles are characterized by intricate patterns, precise figurative details, and rich decorative effects; the technique spread to Zouk Mikael in Lebanon, which became a renowned centre of production, exporting its luxurious fabrics throughout Syria, Egypt, Europe and other provinces of the Ottoman Empire.
55cm x 82cm
For a similar example:
The Metropolitan Museum, New York, Acc. no. C.I.56.6.8.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
A 'ZOUK' DECORATED ALEPPO KAFTAN (ABAYA)
Aleppo, Syria, late 19th century
Worked in gold thread embroidery on a red wool ground, a polychrome floral decoration set against a gilt ground is centred on the back of the garment, a feature that typically conveyed symbolic meanings, including protection and the wearer's social and religious status, robes of this type were commonly produced in the workshops of Aleppo; this is an example of the Syrian nawl technique, used to produce abayas, vests, household textiles, wall tapestries, capes, scarves, trousseaux, ecclesiastical vestments, altar cloths and other textiles decorated with gold, silver, and colourful motifs; these textiles are characterized by intricate patterns, precise figurative details, and rich decorative effects; the technique spread to Zouk Mikael in Lebanon, which became a renowned centre of production, exporting its luxurious fabrics throughout Syria, Egypt, Europe and other provinces of the Ottoman Empire.
55cm x 82cm
For a similar example:
The Metropolitan Museum, New York, Acc. no. C.I.56.6.8.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
