900-1920 TWO Touristic Khayamiya Egyptian Appliques, fine examples of Touristic khayamiya, or Egyptian tentmaker appliqués.
Depict a typical Egyptian scene with pharaohs and pyramids and were produced specifically for the western market. During WWI, these panels were popular with European soldiers and nurses stationed in North Africa.
The measurements for these beautiful pieces are as follows:
1. The first applique measures 16 inches in width and 46 inches in length.
2. The second applique measures 18 inches in width and 38.5 inches in length.
Please note that these items are truly authentic antique textiles. They are not inexpensive, modern souvenirs but genuine pieces of historical craftsmanship that reflect a rich heritage. Their unique designs and intricacies are a testament to the skilled artisans who created them.
These pieces would add a beautiful touch of traditional Egyptian art to your home decor, and I am sure they would be a talking point for any guests you may have.
Should you have any other questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to ask.
Even though tourism has been a fact of life in Egypt for at least two hundred years, it is only very recently that scholars and curators have come to accept and appreciate the importance of these vibrant textiles. Because khayamia was branded as “inauthentic” and “kitsch,” its significance as an eye-catching expression of Egypt’s living cultural identity and its role in marking special occasions in ordinary Egyptians’ lives were long ignored, and few museums collected it.
CONDITION: HAND SEWN - DISCOLORATION, SPOTTING AND IMPERFECTIONS
KHAYAMIYA
Khayamiya (Egyptian Arabic: خيّامية khayyāmiyah) is a decorative Egyptian art appliqué textile, that dates back to as far as Ancient Egypt.[1] They are now primarily made in Cairo, Egypt, along what is known as the Street of the Tentmakers (Shari'a al-Khayamiyya, or Suq al-Khayamiyya) centered in the Qasaba of Radwan Bey, a historic covered market built in the 17th century. The street is located immediately south of bawabet el metwali, and is located along the historic economic axis of Cairo, in a section within Muizz street.
Khayamiya are elaborately patterned and colourful appliqués applied to the interior of tents, serving a dual function of shelter and ornament. They resemble quilts, and possess the three layers typical of quilts – a heavy "back", a background "top", and elaborate appliqué over the "top". Functionally, they can be compared to curtains, though their recent roles have diversified to cater for touristic purposes. These now include cushion covers, fashion, bags, bedspreads, and other applications.