These are two exquisite Fez embroideries I found in Paris. They are unique because of their dark blue color and that they are larger complete pieces. The smaller of the two is fine example from the 19th century in tones of indigo and woad. It could be called architectural in the patterning. Several times the dealer told me it is a classic design, “It’s in books!” she said. It has very fine stitching– the front and the back being the same, and if you embroidery, you know what talent that takes.
The second piece is from the 1940’s and is unusual in that it is an all over pattern, repeating the same motif. You can see the charming –what you could call a conscious irregularity– in the middle towards the right side where the motifs interconnect. This could be considered a mistake, but it is most likely following the idea the only God is perfect. If you create a perfect textile you are saying you are like god. Therefore there is a conscious irregularity in the pattern to not be perfect.
Check out some previous custom fez pillows I have made in the past.
For these two new Fez the question is…to cut or not to cut? I think for now these will be going up for sale as is at PontiusSHOP later in the week.
This fragment jumped off the shelf at me when I looking for Fez Textiles in Paris this past June. Probably Greek late 18th to Early 19th C– a fabulous piece of inspiration- long and narrow with 3 odd but delightful patterns embroidered in silk and metallic threads on a homespun linen. Bellow are details of the embroidery.
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| This is not Zoffany, it’s vintage Claridge house. |
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| Egyptian applique. Made as tourist pieces. |
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| The darker red are an antique fez embroidery and the orange -not as old. |
Apparently, I like a lot of color. The 19th c Morrocan Fez embroidery pillows are a custom job I finished up last week. They are alongside some Laotian embroideries silk on homespun cotton. There is also a handwoven red, blue, and white textile panel on the back that I think perhaps is from the Balkans or there about. Also, simple orange silk pillows that I did up for my vintage orange sofa.
