A long, narrow Egyptian appliqué hanging with a pharaoh’s face at its centre, surrounded by columns, symbols and a great deal of wonderfully determined stitching. The composition has the formal ambitions of a tomb painting, though its maker was evidently happy to let the needle make a few decisions of its own.
This is likely an early 20th-century example of khayamiya, the appliqué work associated with Cairo’s tentmakers. Panels with ancient Egyptian imagery found an eager audience among travellers, particularly during the Tutankhamun excitement of the 1920s. The hanging could conceivably predate that particular bout of Egyptomania; the tentmakers were making and selling such work before anyone had heard of the boy king’s tomb.
It has survived with considerable wear. Areas of appliqué have frayed or disappeared, leaving the design part textile, part artefact. On the wall, that gives it a presence a tidier example might struggle to muster. A century or so is a long time to keep all one’s stitches in place.
Condition
Heavily worn, with fraying, losses to the appliqué, loose threads and marks throughout. These are conspicuous parts of its character; please study the detailed photographs.
Dimensions
Length 134 cm, Width 43 cm
Delivery
Qualifies as a smaller item. UK delivery via insured courier/FedEx at checkout; international shipping available—ask for a quote.
