Greco Roman Asian Art and Furniture

Suzani, a Central Asian term for a specific type of needlework, is also the broader name for the hugely popular decorative pieces of textile that feature this needlework in vivid col...

A mid-20th century one-of-a-kind Turkish Sirt rug woven with mohair wool. These pieces are inspired by traditional tribal weaving's but they are used mostly for decorative purposes a...

Beautiful soft Ikat, with stunning seven inch tassels, on this rare bold indigo and white textile from Sumba. Fabulous on a sofa, bed, a wall hanging, or even to wear as a shawl. Myt...

An antique Turkish Ottoman hand woven textile with an intricate floral and foliage ornament, dominated by warm tones of red and gold, circa 17th century. An antique Oriental Islamic ...

China antique monumental Wooden Pagoda, total height is 70 inches, hand carved and hand painted wood, seven hexagonal sections plus finial, late Qin...

This vintage Italian detailed head is made of hand crafted terracotta clay, in good condition. Wear consistent with age and use. circa 1918, Italy. Bronzo di Riace was one of the ...

In the most technical sense of the word, "Suzani," in Central Asia, means needle and is used to describe this type of needlework, but to most people, such as decorators or collectors...

Reminiscent of the lush colour and luminous cheerfulness found in Gustav Klimt's paintings of flower gardens, HOLLYHOCKS was created especially for House of Hackney by American artist Kerry Simmons, based on her own work of the same name. While capturing the pastoral purity and romance of cottagecore, our punk spirit is embedded in its bold palette and riot of flowers. Printed in Britain, this smooth cotton-linen will make for enlivening window coverings...

Antique indigo and white textile from Sumba. The perfect size to wear as a shawl. Mythical characters, horses and birds intermingle in this graphic textile. Ikat is an ancient techni...

A carved fluorite vase in wood stand. This is a beautiful decorative oblong flat vase created in the imperial China during the late Qing Dynasty period, circa 1880-1900. The piece h...

In the most technical sense of the word, "Suzani," in Central Asia and Iran, means needle and is used to describe this type of needlework, but to most people, such as decorators or c...

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...