Moroccan Wall Hanging (Haiti)

112 x 57 cm (3' 8" x 1' 10")
Morocco, mid 19th century
Condition: very good, slight abrasions, slight signs of use
Metal threads on silk velvet, in a gold-colored wooden frame

Haiti are Moroccan wall hangings that were used on special occasions such as weddings or when receiving dignitaries. They are often made of red and green fabrics worked using the appliqué technique; see, for example, Christie's, June 14, 2017, Lot 343. Several panels were sewn together to form a long wall hanging. Particularly valuable examples were embroidered on velvet with gold and silver threads and were affordable only to the wealthiest families. At weddings, the bride sat on a kind of throne, while behind her, opposite the entrance, such a heavy and magnificent hanging was displayed. An exceptional example of such a ceremonial hanging is housed at the Indianapolis Museum of Art and is prominently featured on the cover of "Fabrics in Celebration from the Collection", 1983; see also HALI 66, p. 90. An image can also be found on Wikimedia Commons.
In the center of this drapery are two niches, in the lower sections of which larger areas of the silk velvet background remain visible. The right-hand niche is closely related to our piece. In particular, the Star of David, subtly incorporated into the composition, links the two embroideries. Typically, pieces of leather or cardboard cut into the desired pattern shape were applied to the velvet and then completely embroidered over with metal threads. In the 19th century, this work was supervised by the leather embroiderers' guild. Around the golden pointed oval, one can particularly appreciate the sophistication with which the embroiderers alternated the lines so that they ran both above and below the leaves. This creates a surprisingly vivid, almost three-dimensional effect. This rare and precious embroidery thus combines precisely the qualities one would hope to find in such a piece. A complete ceremonial hanging more than four meters long, like the example in Indianapolis, is difficult to display in a modern interior. Our piece, however, preserves all the splendor and artisanal sophistication of these monumental hangings in a format that is much easier to display.

Estimate: € 6000 - 8000