Vintage Hand-Stitched Egyptian Khayamiya Appliquéd From the Tentmakers Cairo, Egypt

Description

Khayamiya are elaborately patterned and colourful appliqués applied to the interior of tents, serving a dual function of shelter and … more 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.Khayamiya are usually completed by a single tentmaker regardless of the size of the piece. These can range from basic cushion covers to intricate whole-wall hangings several metres across. Large projects can subsequently take several months to complete. The tentmakers are very protective of their creative innovations,as each is their own work of art. less