Antique Silk Embroidered Ceremonial Portier : Late C19th early C20th Rabat, Morocco
This piece is an antique Moroccan portière or mosque curtain, traditionally known as an Izar or Khamiya, originating from Rabat.
Crafted in Rabat, Morocco, typically dating to the 19th to early 20th century.
The textile features a prominent architectural, floral composition mimicking a mihrab (mosque prayer niche) or minarets. The upper structure is flanked by stylized teardrop palmettes and trefoils.
It is hand-embroidered with rich monochrome floss silk (ranging from deep garnet to purple-magenta) over a cream-colored striped cotton sateen. A dense tone-on-tone geometric border decorates the baseline, which terminates in a fringed lower edge.
These large, intricately worked panels were highly valued decorative statements in wealthy Moroccan households. They were hung as portières over interior doorways, used as decorative partitions, or draped as sanctuary curtains in architectural spaces.
Measurements:
265cm long x 175cm wide
Condition:
Good condition comensurate with age, some marking to cream ground.