1800 (18*19th c)
Fabric sample
Long armed red & green cross-stitch and back stitches, silk on natl colored linen; similar embroidery is exhibited in the v&a , london, with labels indicating "mexico, 18th and 19th century; spanish 17th century"; piece could be from sicily also; similarity of work in so many places is explainable; notes by miss gard. Purchased for 15 shillings; 22" x 3.5";motif is of rooster-type formed by being left blank, while background is filled in; mounted w/ t 80; is actually 2 pcs. Seamed together; colors are red and green on natural; very good condition. “Azemmour embroideries are quite distinct from other types of Moroccan embroidery in technique and design. Their unusual pattern is achieved by dropping out stitches to create negative space. They were made chiefly by Jewish women who fled to Morocco from Spain in the 16th century among other refugees, both Jewish and Muslim, whose embroidery traditions – the bird and fountain motifs in particular – are reflective of their Mediterranean heritage. These long pieces (usually a minimum of 250 cm long when completed) were used to adorn the exposed sides of mattresses.” Textile Museum of Canada, http://www.textilemuseum.ca/apps/index.cfm?page=collection.detail&catId=2731&row=5
Provenance:
Gard, nellie
Construction Label:
Embroidery
1933T 1800.74
Long armed red & green cross-stitch and back stitches, silk on natl colored linen; similar embroidery is exhibited in the v&a , london, with labels indicating "mexico, 18th and 19th century; spanish 17th century"; piece could be from sicily also; similarity of work in so many places is explainable; notes by miss gard. Purchased for 15 shillings; 22" x 3.5";motif is of rooster-type formed by being left blank, while background is filled in; mounted w/ t 80; is actually 2 pcs. Seamed together; colors are red and green on natural; very good condition. “Azemmour embroideries are quite distinct from other types of Moroccan embroidery in technique and design. Their unusual pattern is achieved by dropping out stitches to create negative space. They were made chiefly by Jewish women who fled to Morocco from Spain in the 16th century among other refugees, both Jewish and Muslim, whose embroidery traditions – the bird and fountain motifs in particular – are reflective of their Mediterranean heritage. These long pieces (usually a minimum of 250 cm long when completed) were used to adorn the exposed sides of mattresses.” Textile Museum of Canada, http://www.textilemuseum.ca/apps/index.cfm?page=collection.detail&catId=2731&row=5
Provenance:
Gard, nellie
Construction Label:
Embroidery
1933T 1800.74