Embroidered Folk Art

A framed Riga Gound from Nigeria. Elite Nigerian men wore grand, flowing garments known by various names: riga (Hausa), agbádá (Yorùbá), boubou (French), and mbubb (Wolof). This particular strip-woven riga features a off-white, very light grey tone with silk accents adding contrast. Skilled embroiderers—often trained in Arabic calligraphy—incorporated motifs once imbued with protective Islamic symbolism. Central to the textile is a leaf (gambiya) motif, linked to the Nupe people. A spiral design symbolizes the wearer’s spiritual journey toward God. The hem is lined with magenta silk, imported via trans-Saharan trade routes. Historically admired across cultures, the riga remains a cornerstone of pan-Nigerian male national dress today. This framed Riga Gound has a unique back story. Having owned a prominent antiques shop in Hong-Kong for more than two decades it was common for antique dealers to sometimes come to the shop and present items to sell...

This beautifully hand-crafted Amish quilt, made in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania during the mid-1900s, features the beloved “Sunshine and Shadows” pattern—an enduring symbol of balance and tradition in Amish quiltmaking. Composed of hand-cut and hand-stitched cotton pieces, the quilt showcases a striking palette of blues, reds, and greens arranged with rhythmic precision and quiet elegance. Expertly sewn with exceptionally fine stitching, this quilt reflects the Amish community’s deep-rooted values of simplicity, resourcefulness, and craftsmanship. As was customary, the materials used were repurposed from what was available in the home—making this quilt not only a work of art, but also a beautiful example of early upcycling, where practicality and creativity seamlessly intertwine. While quilts like this were originally created for everyday use, their enduring beauty and cultural significance have made them highly collectible. Because of its intricate design and visual impact, this quilt is especially well-suited for display as a wall-hung textile. Please note: some colors may appear distorted in photos—refer to the video for a more accurate representation. Dimensions: 36” x 44” Date of Manufacture: 2nd Quarter of the 1900s Place of Origin: Pennsylvania, United States Material: Cotton Condition: Excellent The Persian Knot, SKU: 2238 Amish Sunshine and Shadows Quilt, American Amish Sunshine and Shadows Quilts, Sunshine and Shadows Quilts, Vintage Amish Sunshine and Shadows Quilts, Sunshine and Shadows Crib Quilts, Antique Amish Crib Quilts, Amish American Quilts, Pennsylvania Quilts, Lancaster County Quilts...

Vintage Miao Baby Carrier Panel With Cross-Stitch Geometric Pattern, South China An exquisitely embroidered Miao baby carrier panel from Xifeng County, Guizhou Province, south China...

Elegant Moroccan caftan pink metallic silk floral, circa 1970s. Embroidered silk-crepe floral caftan gown Round contrast neckline; button-loop placket. Long bell sleeves. Relaxed sil...

Presumed to having its origins in the United States and done in the Arts & Crafts period, this extremely intricate and realistic depiction of two hound dogs bridled together is done ...

Vintage Samarkand Suzani, Uzbekistan embroidered textile red and black Tashkent Suzani from Samarkand Uzbekistan, 1950. Overall good condition for its age and use some stains. "Suzani" means needlework and these embroideries are some of the most characteristic forms of textile art from Central Asia. The mastery of color and the dynamic sense of movement they convey continue to add depth and joy to contemporary interiors. A high level of creative variation and the individuation of each flower are what make each piece unique. Measures: 67.5" x 57". The Silk Road Bukhara: Like scattered pearls along the vast expanse of the Great Silk Road, the cities of Uzbekistan glisten radiantly under the unforgiving sun. This nation, nestled in a picturesque oasis, holds a treasure trove of historical artifacts, owing to its advantageous position at the heart of the ancient Silk Road network. In the year 138 BC, a transformative era commenced as China graciously opened its borders to trade, giving rise to caravans that embarked upon this illustrious route. These trading pathways served as conduits not only for the exchange of goods and craftsmanship but also for the intermingling of cultures, beliefs, and wisdom. Even today, within the ancient walls of cities like Samarkand, one can still discern the echoes of bustling voices, the melodious jingle of camel harnesses...

Early 20th child Middle Eastern Efe Zeybek Jacket. Kid Efe Zeybek Costume Turkish authentic ethnic vest. Dark brown red velvet with gold foliates and gold trim. Open sleeves, red cotton lining. Antique collector red velvet jacket with gold Middle Eastern Moorish style embroidery. Small tiny Turkish antique vest...

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...

18th century silk embroidered art work. Depicting children and fairy tales. It is very rare for works from this time period to depict a black...

This highly amusing and unusual little wall cabinet for keys is decorated with a charming embroidery picture of a little girl wearing a red dress wi...

Elegant Moroccan caftan green and gold embroidered trim, circa 1980s. This long maxi dress kaftan is embroidered and embellished with traditional trim in gold. One of a kind Moroccan...

Vintage hooded Moroccan emerald green caftan with gold trim embroidered, circa 1970s. This light summery djellabah is crafted in Morocco and tailo...

Mid-20th century tribal baknough (woman's head covering), Chott Oulad Amar, Tunisia. This is an unusual baknough from a very small area on the Tunisian ...

Elegant vintage designer Moroccan caftan, floral brocade embroidered with hot pink and gold trim. This chic Bohemian maxi dress kaftan is embroidered and embellished with gold and pi...

Woman's shoe with bandaged feet, in embroidered satin. The custom of bandaged feet is said to have appeared in China in the 10th century during the Tang Dynasty, when the emperor as...

Moroccan white linen caftan in linen fabric with blue trim embroidered, circa 1970s. This light see through summery djellabah is crafted in Morocco and tailored for a relaxed fit, ...

Museum quality antique 1800s Childs collar on baby blue clothe background, appears much lighter in photos. Stamped on verso Sarit Centre Westland’s Nairobi Kenya Africa. Background is baby blue, appears lighter in images. Measures: Collar diameter 12.5 in. (Beads about 1.75 inches additional.) Square frame is 17.75 in. From a Norwegian and then Kenya State Department Official's Estate in Bethesda MD...

1960s authentic Moroccan Berber wedding rug with sequins North Africa, Handira.Handwoven vintage Moroccan Berber Tribal Handira ethnic textile.Moroccan Bohemian style rug, handwoven by the Berber women of the Zemmour tribe for their wedding day.The design on this ethnic carpet is white, red and black in geometrical motifs on a red and white background and adorned with some sequins to sparkle under the moon light.(cod be easily removed if needed), Handwoven by the Berber tribes in Atlas Mountains of Morocco with traditional geometric tribal designs.Midcentury organic vintage Handira...

The picture retains its original gilt frame. The image is rendered in a mixture of silkwork and hand painted decoration and depicts the injured traveler on the roadside being aided by the Samaritan while the Levite and the Priest are seen in the distance. This parable is told by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he travelled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the host, and said to him, 'Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.' Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?" This work is vastly bigger than 19th century silkwork pictures...

17.5” x 18.5” x. .1” Charming vintage hand stitched small quilt depicting a house in red, peach, green blue, and ivory from the mid 1900s. The quilt is beautifully mounted and is in a glassed wood frame. Dimensions: Frame: 25” x 24” x .75”, Quilt: 17.5” x 18.5” x. .1” Date of Manufacture: 2nd Quarter of the 1900s Place of Origin: United States Material: Cotton, Glass, Wood Condition: Good Framed Quilts, Pennsylvania Quilts, Amish Quilts, Vintage Raising Barn Quilt, Vintage Log...

Very unusual 19th century matched pair of sailor's Yachting Woolies, circa 1870, a true pair of woolworks featuring mirror images of the same Yawl rigged yacht, and period photograph...

Large, unusual, handmade wall hanging titled "CASINO" signed Jane Ashley, all hand executed depicting casino gaming table, featuring hand painted leather.....