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Moorish Picture Frames

MOORISH STYLE

After the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the eighth century, Islamic Spain became a cultural mix of influences that shaped both private homes and religious spaces. Moorish design was the name given to this style, which evolved through the 15th century with vibrant tile work, horseshoe arches and lavish ornamentation, most visible at sites such as Granada’s Alhambra and the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. Moorish furniture was often similarly ornate, and featured pieces inlaid with wood, ivory and bone.

When European designers began studying Moorish art and architecture in the early 19th century, it led to a Moorish Revival. Appropriating the style’s decorative flourishes and architectural elements, it promoted a romantic view of Islamic design. Travelers could bring home a memento of what they witnessed in the Middle East, a trend that aligned with a fad for themed interiors. Men’s smoking rooms arranged with ottomans, divans and settees and inlaid tables were especially popular, as were cafés where coffee was served amid bead curtains and colorful floor mats. (Handwoven rugs are a centerpiece of Moorish interiors.) Octagonal rooms with domed ceilings were created for wealthy homes, frequently with furnishings like pipe stands, filigree plasterwork and arched doorways. The horseshoe arch is an iconic attribute of Moorish architecture that, in addition to Spain, can be found in Sicily, Morocco and elsewhere.

Several late 19th to early 20th-century movements featured Moorish touches. The American and English Aesthetic Movement, for example, borrowed liberally from global decorating styles, as seen in furniture designed by Lockwood de Forest, a New York-born artist who mixed Eastern and Western forms. The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau also references the elegant use of geometry in Moorish design, with Milanese Art Nouveau furniture designer Carlo Bugatti drawing inspiration from the style. The Arts and Crafts movement, which prized expressive yet simple design, incorporated Moorish influences; hand-painted furniture and tile work created by William De Morgan, a British designer and potter who made furnishings for the likes of Morris & Co., were informed by techniques from Moorish Spain.

Find a collection of Moorish lighting, decorative objects, folk art and more furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Moorish
Miniature Mudejar Archway w Inlaid Frame, Inspired by the Alhambra, Spain c.1900
Miniature Mudejar Archway w Inlaid Frame, Inspired by the Alhambra, Spain c.1900

Miniature Mudejar Archway w Inlaid Frame, Inspired by the Alhambra, Spain c.1900

Located in Lisse, NL

This beautifully handcrafted wall piece pays tribute to the splendor of Andalusian architecture, echoing the intricate arches and decorative flourishes of the Alhambra in Granada. Made in early 20th-century Spain, it captures the spirit of Islamic Revival style with striking detail and artisan precision. At its center are three classic horseshoe arches, richly adorned with arabesques and supported by slender columns topped with finely worked capitals. A palette of soft reds, blues, and golds brings depth and warmth, further elevated by a rich burgundy velvet background. Surrounding the scene is a remarkable inlaid wooden frame, featuring delicate geometric patterns and flowing Arabic calligraphy — hallmarks of Neo-Mudejar design. This is not only a decorative object but a conversation piece, a rare combination of cultural history, architectural beauty, and fine craftsmanship. There are signs of restorations and some chipping to the plasterwork, mostly along the edges, but nothing that takes away from the overall beauty or structural integrity of the piece. Whether you're a lover of Islamic art, architectural miniatures, or simply looking for something rich in history and charm to add to your space, this piece brings timeless character and a story with it. A rare find with true soul. The large frame may have some minor losses and but this antique art work...

Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Moorish Picture Frames

Materials

Alabaster

Italian Moorish Bone Inlay Frame with Saint, circa 1900
Italian Moorish Bone Inlay Frame with Saint, circa 1900

Italian Moorish Bone Inlay Frame with Saint, circa 1900

Located in Milan, IT

A beautiful Italian Moorish bone inlay frame with saint (Inscribed Roma) for a painting or a mirror. Very much in the Renzo Mongiardino Taste. Inner...

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Antique & Handcrafted Pair of Moorish Arabic Motifs Inlaid Picture Photo Frames
Antique & Handcrafted Pair of Moorish Arabic Motifs Inlaid Picture Photo Frames

Antique & Handcrafted Pair of Moorish Arabic Motifs Inlaid Picture Photo Frames

Located in Lisse, NL

All handcrafted and very stylish pair of photo frames with inlaid Islamic designs. You don't necessary need to have an Arabic (inspired) interior to fall in love and decorate your home with these stunning Moorish picture frames. The workmanship is there for everyone to see and the combination of the warm colors of the wood and the inlaid shell simply is to die for. It is every antique sellers...

Category

Early 20th Century Moorish Picture Frames

Materials

Shell, Wood

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Moorish picture frames for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Moorish picture frames for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage picture frames created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, mirrors, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, shell and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Moorish picture frames made in a specific country, there are Asia, Europe, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for picture frames differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,084 and tops out at $4,852 while the average work can sell for $1,950.