African Asian Art and Furniture

Africa, Bongo Peoples, stone female commemorative figure from Southern Sudan. A fine specimen in naturally weathered condition; hand carved from a porous orange-black stone, 20th century. Similar funerary stone sculptures in various sizes were likely crafted over many centuries. Original patina from appropriate age. Custom base included. Dimensions: 30 inches high and 9.5 inches wide and 8 inches deep mounted on a custom iron base. Provenance: Old Brussels, Belgium collection acquired in 1998. History: The Bongo are an ethnic group living in South Sudan, mostly in the Tonj District. They speak the Bongo language, one of the Bongo-Baka languages. Unlike the Dinka and other Nilotic groups, the Bongo are not a cattle herding people and do not use cows for bride price. Subsistence farming is the primary source of food, though money is obtained by working in forestry, building, selling honey, and other various means. For similar examples see Barakat Gallery...

Stunning and elegant Moroccan caftan with silver metallic Moorish floral Dupioni silk brocade. Lavishly embroidered on a beautiful woven Dupioni silk.The flowers are embroidered in m...

Fine quality Antique Silver articulated fish Hallmarked A very fine quality Articulated silver fish model Expertly crafted with beautifully detailed silver workmanship, Hallmarked...

Vintage leather Bohemian leather pouf or ottoman. Traditional patchwork in blue and cream with gold stamps. Good condition with scrapes and scuffs to leather. One hole through the ...

Forged iron currency, Chamba people, Northeastern Nigeria A piece of traditional currency used for barter or exchange, it measures 15 inches (38 cm) high by 18 inches (45.7 cm) wide...

This vintage, large, oval beautifully engraved copper chaffing dish has solid brass handles on the sides and the top. There is a large cup for the sterno to sit in and the cabriole l...

African Batik Cloth Natural Hand-woven Hand-Printed Cotton Fabric Ghana 10 yards. Colors are organic earth tone beige and light brown in geometric design. Non waxed fabric circa 1950s. Hand made in Ghana Africa. Museum Quality Original Long Piece. 380 inches, (30 ft 10 yards Long) x 46 inches Inches Wide( 4ft). Could be use to make pillows or upholstery. History of Batik in Africa: Batik, a traditional fabric art technique, has a rich history in Ghana, West Africa. The practice of batik involves using wax to create intricate patterns on fabric, which is then dyed to achieve the desired design. While batik has its origins in Asia, particularly in Indonesia, it has been embraced and adapted by various African countries, including Ghana. In Ghana, batik-making can be traced back to the mid-20th century when it gained popularity as a form of traditional textile art. The craft was introduced by artists and artisans who were inspired by the vibrant and expressive nature of batik. These early practitioners experimented with different designs, colors, and patterns, infusing local themes and motifs into their creations. Over time, batik became an important part of Ghanaian culture and identity. It is not only used for clothing but also for various decorative and functional items such as wall hangings, tablecloths, and accessories. The art form often reflects the rich cultural heritage of Ghana, incorporating symbols, proverbs, and traditional stories into the designs. Ghanaian batik artists often employ a combination of traditional and contemporary elements, creating a unique fusion of styles. The process of making batik involves applying hot wax to the fabric using various tools to create the desired patterns. The wax acts as a resist, preventing dye from penetrating the waxed areas. After dyeing, the wax is removed, revealing the intricate designs on the fabric. Today, batik-making in Ghana continues to thrive as both a traditional craft and a form of artistic expression. Many artisans and designers draw inspiration from Ghana's diverse cultural landscape, incorporating elements from different regions and ethnic groups into their batik creations. The art form has also gained international recognition, with Ghanaian batik products being sought after both locally and abroad. In summary, the history of batik in Ghana is a testament to the creativity and adaptability of artists who have embraced and transformed this traditional technique into a vibrant and culturally significant art form within the country. HISTORY OF BATIK In the mid-nineteenth century, the Belanda Hitam, or "Black Dutchmen," are said to have introduced batik to West Africa after serving as indentured soldiers for the Dutch in Indonesia. Returning from their conscriptions with trunks of fine Javanese batik, the opulent patterns captured the imagination of their friends and relatives. However, textile history is complex, and only a handful of recruits returned to West Africa with batik due to delayed payments. Batik, with roots traced to Egyptian mummies, is a tradition found globally, from Southeast Asia to Japan and India. Europeans, particularly the Dutch, played a significant role in industrializing batik from the seventeenth century onward. In West Africa, Dutch Scholar Ineke van Kessel suggests that batik arrived from India over trans-Saharan routes. Local populations, like the Yoruba in Nigeria, incorporated wax printing into their textiles. European traders brought wax and non-wax fabrics to West Africa in the seventeenth century, targeting a population ready for their consumption. European designers adapted prints for the African market...

nr. 1025 - Rare little Moroccan TUAREG mat, found and purchased by a traveller more than thirty years ago in a remote village in the mountains of Morocco. It's intact, without breaks...

Large Moroccan Moorish polished brass planter, handcrafted and chiselled with fine Moorish arches and foliate designs. On each side there are a round hand-carved handle, the interior is copper red and polished gold for the exterior. Very decorative round shape brass plant holder...

A pished Moroccan brass tray is a stunning piece of traditional craftsmanship that showcases the rich artistic heritage of Morocco. It is meticously handcrafted by skilled artisans who specialize in metalwork and imbue each tray with intricate designs and meticous attention to detail. The tray typically features a circar shape, with a slightly raised rim to prevent items from sliding off. One of the distinguishing features of a pished Moroccan brass tray is its exquisite engraving geometric design. The artisans skillfly carve intricate patterns, geometric motifs, or elaborate floral designs onto the surface of the tray. These designs are often inspired by traditional Moroccan architecture, Islamic art, or nature, and reflect the ctural and artistic influences of the region.The geometric design with a six pointed star in the center.The six pointed star meaning: A 6-pointed star is also known as the Star of David, Magen David, or Hexagram. It is a common symb with historical and ctural significance in various contexts. Here are a few of its associations: 1) Judaism: The Star of David is one of the most recognizable symbs of Judaism. It's often associated with Jewish identity and is found on the flag of Israel. Its origins in Jewish tradition are debated, but it gained prominence as a Jewish symb in the 17th century. 2) Symbic Meanings: In Jewish tradition, the Star of David can have various symbic interpretations. One common interpretation is that the triangle pointing upward represents God's relationship with humanity, while the triangle pointing downward represents humanity's connection to the Earth. Together, they symbize the harmonious relationship between the divine and the earthly. 3) Historical Context: The symb's historical usage predates its association with Judaism. It has been found in various ctures and religions around the world for centuries. In some cases, it was used as a protective amet. However, the Star of David's connection to Judaism has become its most well-known and widely recognized meaning. 4) Ctural and Artistic Uses: The Star of David is often used in Jewish art, jewelry, and decorative items. It's also used as a decorative motif in architecture and design. Remember that symbs can have different meanings to different people and ctures. The Star of David, with its six points, has a rich and complex history that spans various aspects of religious, ctural, and historical significance. A round pished tray in this style serves both as a functional item for serving food and drinks with grace and style, and as an exquisite decorative piece to adorn homes, showcasing the artistry and ctural heritage of Morocco and its surrounding regions. It is a testimony to the enduring beauty and craftsmanship that has been cherished for centuries, a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate admirers around the world. A round pished tray Islamic metalwork, is a breathtaking example of the exquisite craftsmanship and artistic heritage of the region. Handcrafted with skillf precision, this tray showcases a harmonious blend of ctural influences, resting in a piece that is both visually captivating and historically significant. The process of creating brass trays invves several steps, each requiring specialized skills. Here is a general overview of the traditional techniques invved: 1) Design: A skilled artist or calligrapher creates the design for the brass tray. Islamic brass metalwork often incorporates intricate geometric patterns, arabesques, floral motifs, and calligraphy inspired by Quranic verses or poetry. 2) Metalworking: The tray is typically made from a sheet of brass or another metal. The metal is cut into the desired shape and then hammered or pressed to create the shallow depression of the tray. Traditional techniques such as repoussé (hammering from the reverse side) or chasing (hammering on the front side) may be employed to shape the metal. 3) Engraving: The surface of the tray is often decorated with intricate engravings or etchings. Skilled artisans use chisels, gravers, or other specialized tos to create fine details and elaborate patterns. 4) Surface Treatment: After the main decorative work is complete, the tray may undergo surface treatments to enhance its appearance. This can include processes like pishing, buffing, or applying various chemical patinas to create an aged or oxidized effect. Throughout history, Islamic brass trays...

1930s Middle Eastern Round Brass Tray 23.5 in. Diameter. A magnificent Middle Eastern round brass tray, a true masterpiece of craftsmanship. The metal decorative tray gleams with the warm, lustrous glow characteristic of brass, its surface intricately adorned with a mesmerizing display of hammered intricate patterns. The skilled hands of artisans have transformed this metal canvas into a work of art that captures the essence of Middle Eastern heritage. Dimensions: 23.5 inches diameter. Circa: 1930s. Middle East provenance, Syria or Egypt region Moroccan style. At the heart of the brass tray lies an exquisite focal point: an eight-pointed star that radiates outwards, symbolizing unity and balance. The intricate patterns that envelop the star draw inspiration from traditional Middle Eastern motifs. Delicate arabesque tendrils weave and wind their way around the central star, forming a harmonious tapestry of interconnected designs. Geometric shapes interlock seamlessly with flowing curves, showcasing the artists' profound understanding of balance and aesthetics. The outer edges of the Moorish style tray bear a border that frames the intricate center. This border is embellished with an array of geometric shapes, Moorish patterns, and ornate detailing, all hand-hammered with great precision. The Middle Eastern tray...

1940s Moroccan Brass Tray Polished Collectible Islamic Metal Work Platter. The Islamic polished brass metal work antique brass tray is a remarkable piece of artistry that embodies th...

Amazing vintage Moroccan Caftan, black silk damask heavily with gold threads. Circa 1960's The black heavy damask kaftan was entirely made by ...

The hand-hammered brass Moroccan tray with fine intricate Islamic design is a stunning piece of craftsmanship that exudes the beauty and intricacy of Moroccan artistry. This exquisite tray showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditional metalworking techniques of the region.  The tray's design may also incorporate delicate cutouts , allowing light to pass through and casting beautiful patterns when the tray is placed in the sunlight. This adds an extra element of visual interest and elegance to the overall aesthetic. The tray has a hook in the back if you would like to use it as a wall decorative tray. it could function as a wall hanging, ottoman tray, or a display on a bar or coffee table, use it as a serving platter, catch all, vanity dish...

A highly decorative carved wood West African tribal mask decorated in blue and red polychrome colours on a black ground. In very good condition wi...

Vintage 1950's Moroccan polished brass tray with intricate design, a Star in the center and moon pattern around the rim.  This exquisite vintage Moroccan circular brass tray, platter showcases a beautiful hand etched Moorish geometric pattern featuring the symbolic right-handed interlaced pentagram star which is used in the flag of Morocco. The round polished Moroccan brass tray has hammered edges. it could function as a wall hanging, ottoman tray, or a display on a bar or coffee table, use it as a serving platter, catch all, vanity dish...

Antique 1920s Art Deco Egyptian-Revival rectangular brass tray. This stylish hand-made brass tray platter dates from the early 1920s with its motif of Art Deco stylized Egyptian figures, sphynx, camel, pyramids, snakes and hieroglyphics. Middle Eastern Egyptian antique metal brass tray ,handcrafted brass platter decorated and hammered with Egyptian Revival mythologically engraving designs. Rectangular form with curved corners, the rim of curved form, profusely engraved brass with very fine hand chased Egyptian and etched pattern with figures and animals. This antique brass tray...

Kaiser "Theben" set di 2 vasi in porcellana, motivo egiziano. PERIODO DEL DESIGN 1920 PAESE DI PRODUZIONE Egitto DESIGNER Kaiser COLORE Bianco, multicolore MATERIALI Porcellana C...

This is a semi-antique pictorial Egyptian Kilim woven during the first quarter of the 20th century circa 1920 and measures 177 x 144CM in size. Its desi...

Moroccan Moorish style antique round copper tray. The handcrafted circular copper metal platter is decorated and hammered with Islamic Moorish flora...

African Mali indigo textile circa 1950. Handwoven, vegetable dyed cotton. We only select the best. This soft textile was sourced in the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese philosophy th...

We are delighted to offer for sale this pair of Arabic framed frames. Gorgeous and decorative pair of Arabic frames. Dimension: W 39 x D 4 x H 44 cm Please carefully look at...

Unique African mask created by the artist Bomber Bax. The mask dates back to the early 1900s and was subsequently worked on and painted in late 2022 by the artist. The artist used ...

Amazing vintage Moroccan Caftan, gold silk damask threads trim, Circa 1960's The gold floral damask kaftan was entirely finish by hand. Feel li...

Lozi Wooden Beer Vessel Lozi people, Zambia Early 20th century Carved wood, pigment H: 16.5 in x W: 11 in x D: 12 in :: 42 cm x 28 cm x 30.5 cm An eleg...

Elegant vintage designer Moroccan kaftan, purple violet color velvet embroidered with Turkish gold threads design all-over. This is an Ottoman style wedding gown with metallic embroi...

Beautiful Lobi chair from Burkina Faso, West Africa. This is a rare piece of African furniture both sculptural and usable. The entire piece is hand carved o...

Elegant Moroccan caftan hot pink color embroidered with silver metallic threads, circa 1970s. This long maxi poly jersey dress kaftan is embroidered and embellished with traditiona...

Gorgeous vintage hostess gown, floral multicolored brocade Kaftan, circa 1970s. Exotic oriental floral long maxi caftan dress with wide arm and lo...

This handcrafted Syrian wedding chest is designed with mother-of-pearl inlays, three drawers and a marble top. It expresses the rich culture and a...

African Mali indigo textile circa 1950. Handwoven, vegetable dyed cotton. We only select the best. This soft textile was sourced in the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese philosophy th...

Handmade Moroccan goat hair fur babouche slippers. Fabulous handstitched slippers made in Marrakech from natural long goats hair leather sole with elongated toe. Moroccan leather s...

Beautiful painted wood statue from the 50's, belonging to African art. The statue of a man African art is made entirely of painted wood, depicts a man with...

Handcrafted Moroccan Moorish amber painted glass perfume bottle or rose water sprinkler with raised embossed silvered metal floral design over amber glass. The pressed glass bottle in Art Deco, Art Nouveau style is oval shape with curved sides and hand decorated with embossed metal silvered overlay. This has a long metal top spout that unscrews. This is a recycled vintage French perfume...

Moroccan vintage gold and silver metallic floral brocade dress kaftan with gold trim. Handmade ceremonial caftan from North Africa, Morocco. Vintage exotic 1970s metallic brocade caf...

Amazing vintage Moroccan Caftan, gold silk damask purple violet threads trim, Circa 1960's The silver and purple with gold floral damask kaftan was entirely finish by hand. Feel like...

Amazing vintage Moroccan Caftan, gold silk damask gold threads trim, Circa 1960's The light gold damask kaftan was entirely finish by hand. One of a kind...

Hand carved wood ebony African elephant. Handcrafted in Africa. One of the tusk is damaged

Metallic red and gold brocade maxi dress kaftan hand made by Moroccan artist. Handmade vintage exotic 1970s gold and red metallic brocade ceremonial caftan gown from North Africa, M...

Large handcrafted brass tagine with cone cover and a brass final. Beautiful decorative hand beaten Ottoman designs across its surface. Measure: 3ft. The history of tagine dates back to the time of Harun al-Rashid, the fifth Abbasid Caliph. The earliest written records about the concept of cooking in a tagine appear in the famous One Thousand and One Nights...

Stunning and elegant Moroccan caftan with silver metallic Moorish floral damask brocade. Hand made in Morocco great to use for a black tie party or to go to the Opera. Wear it as a c...

Middle Eastern Copper hand etched polished brass cache pot. Could be used as a vase or Jardiniere, indoor or outdoor. Figural scenes and pyramid architectural and geometric designs hand-hammered on metal copper vessel. Middle Eastern Egyptian copper...

Moroccan Kaftan Black Velvet Vest with Gold Embroideries This Moroccan traditional kaftan is embroidered and embellished with gold trim. Evening Moroccan ...

African Mali indigo textile circa 1950. Handwoven, vegetable dyed cotton. We only select the best. This soft textile was sourced in the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese philosophy th...

Rare antique African hand carved chair. Beautiful patina on the single wood back rest, with multiple motifs. This folding chair is made from a single piece of ébéniste wood from west Africa. Also called guard chair, the palaver chair...

Middle Eastern Moorish decorative plate inlaid with mosaic marquetry. This beautiful wooden plate with elaborate mosaic marquetry inlay is from Cairo, Eg...

Vintage Moroccan Caftan, black and gold embroidered trim, ca. 1970s Vintage Moroccan black caftan in linen fabric with gold trim embroidered, circa 1970s. This djellabah is crafted i...

Elegant Moroccan caftan emerald green silk embroidered with white threads, circa 1970s. This long maxi dress kaftan is embroidered and embellished entirely by hand. One of a kind ...

Rare antique African hand carved chair. Beautiful patina on the single wood back rest, with multiple motifs. This folding chair is made from a single piece of ébéniste wood from west Africa. Also called guard chair, the palaver chair...

B/1676. Old African textile from Kuba, Zaire: with small shells as ornament. An IDEA: use this item as backrest covering of a sofa !

Islamic Arabic calligraphy circular tray with silver overlay. Round Egyptian brass tray overlaid with metal silver and copper Islamic calligraphy ...

Handmade Moroccan goat hair fur babouche slippers. Fabulous handstitched slippers made in Marrakech from natural long goats hair leather sole with elongated toe. Moroccan leather s...

Old African textile panel with shells,: You can mount on a panel for wall, or place on table, or mount as lampshade. Its colors are sunny. It's wonderful for a sea-house ! B/1677-1   

African Mali tribal textile circa 1950. Handwoven, vegetable dyed cotton. We only select the best. This soft textile was sourced in the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese philosophy...

African Mali tribal textile circa 1950. Handwoven, vegetable dyed cotton. We only select the best. This soft textile was sourced in the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese philosophy...

Elegant Moroccan hooded burnous cape in off-white fine wool with black and ivory passementerie trim and closure a long tassel on hood, the caftan is fully Lined. The burnus (also cal...

Elegant Moroccan caftan gold and aquamarine blue metallic gorgeous vintage hostess gown. Floral multi-colored brocade Kaftan circa 1970s. Exotic ...

African Mali tribal textile circa 1950. Handwoven, vegetable dyed cotton. We only select the best. This soft textile was sourced in the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese philosophy ...