Antique Quilted Block Print & Hand Painted Floral Mezzaro Border: C19th Europe
An early 19th century Italian Mezzaro border section.This piece is an antique Genoese cotton textile fragment dating from around 1840.
A mezzaro is a large, hand-block-printed cotton textile traditionally produced in Genoa, Italy. The designs were heavily inspired by 17th and 18th-century Indian Palampores and chintz fabrics imported into Europe by the East India companies.
This particular section comes from the dense, exuberant border of a larger "Tree of Life" layout. It features vibrant madder-red and mauve flowers arranged among dense teal and blue-green foliage, block-printed by hand using natural dyes.
Mezzari were historically worn as massive, decorative veils or shawls by noble Genoese women. They were draped over the head and shoulders, serving as symbols of wealth, authority, and regional costume.
This is unusual in that it has been hand quilted and has a later 19th century red and white floral backing.
Measurements:
190 x 22cm
Condition:
In as found condition with some light staining, marks and a frayed unfinished edge.