Antique Block Print Mezzaro with Tree of Life: C19th Genoa, Italy
Another extraordinary Mezzaro from the same collection owned by an old Genoese family. Please see our other listings to see another Mezzaro from the same collection.
https://hannahwhyman.co.uk/collections/projects/products/antique-block-printed-mezzaro-wall-hanging-with-tree-of-life-ship-figures-giraffe-c1830-genoa-italy
These indiane, block-printed cloths originated from India were later produced in Europe and enjoyed great popularity during the 18th century in Liguria, where they were used as a kind of large head scarf, the mezzaro.
Initially worn by women of the aristocracy, over time the mezzaro gradually became associated with popular clothing, going on to become, from the early 20th century, a distinctive item of décor.
The production of this colourful artefact is owed in large part to the factories which, from the late 18th century, were set up in an area to the west of Genoa by businessmen such as Speich and Testori.
Measurements:
280cm high x 253cm wide