Antique Aleppo Textile with Ottoman Multiple Niche Pattern
During the late 19th century Syria was an international hub for the manufacture and trade of fine hand-woven textiles. For centuries the skilled weavers located in the weaving centres of Aleppo, Damascus and Homs were commissioned to weave luxury textiles for the Ottoman court as well as for the European nobility.
What distinguishes these fine weavings is a close attention to pattern and refined colour combinations, resulting in fabrics of timeless elegance. This example epitomises these qualities, being composed of horizontal bands in silk with intervals woven in gold-wrapped metallic fabric decorated by opposing niche-like motif enclosing a stylised botanical element.
This fine textile is conserved on a cotton backing and mounted on a wooden stretcher, ready to be employed as a wall hanging of regal character.