Vintage Moroccan Berber Painted-Hide Wall Sconce Shade, Iron Frame

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Description

A distinctive vintage Moroccan wall-light shade handcrafted in Marrakech circa 1980, this sculptural piece combines hand-painted hide parchment with expressive … Read more A distinctive vintage Moroccan wall-light shade handcrafted in Marrakech circa 1980, this sculptural piece combines hand-painted hide parchment with expressive ironwork and North African tribal design. Its curved shield-like silhouette, vivid red and soft pink palette, central geometric medallion and open scrollwork crest make it equally compelling as a decorative wall lamp shade or as a freestanding work of African tribal art.

The shade was individually constructed around a hand-formed iron framework. Natural hide parchment was stretched and stitched onto the metal structure before being painted by hand in warm red, blush pink, ivory and dark brown tones. A diamond-shaped geometric motif decorates the center, while flowing bands of color follow the curved sides of the parchment. The surrounding iron frame rises above the shade in a pair of large inward-facing scrolls and continues below it to form a heart-like decorative finial.

The visible stitching, irregular brushwork, aged pigmentation and variations in the parchment surface reveal the handmade nature of this vintage Moroccan decorative object. These details should not be interpreted as manufacturing defects. They are characteristic of artisan-made hide lighting from Marrakech and give each shade its individual personality. The iron retains an aged dark patina that complements the warm colors and adds architectural definition to the composition.

Designed to sit over an existing wall-light fitting, the hide parchment naturally diffuses illumination and creates soft, atmospheric lighting. When placed over a compatible light source, the red, pink and ivory surface produces a warm glow that emphasizes the hand-painted design and natural texture of the parchment. It would create an inviting decorative accent in an entryway, bedroom, hallway, dining room, powder room, home theater or intimate seating area.

Please note that this offering is for the decorative wall-light shade only. It does not contain wiring, a bulb, a socket, a wall plate or any other electrical components. The shade is intended to be installed over an appropriate existing electrical fitting or adapted for its intended location by a qualified professional. Professional installation by a licensed electrician is recommended. It may also be displayed without lighting as a sculptural Moroccan wall decoration.

The shade measures approximately 16 inches high, 10 inches wide and 7 inches deep. Its seven-inch projection gives the piece noticeable dimension and presence when installed, while its relatively compact width makes it suitable for narrow walls, bedside placement or grouped arrangements.

Related Moroccan hide wall shades may also be available separately. Because every example was individually handcrafted and hand-painted, the internal motifs, coloration, stitching and surface character vary from one shade to another. They are complementary but are not exact matches. The listing is for one wall shade; please inquire if additional examples are desired for a hallway, staircase or larger installation.

This unusual vintage Marrakech wall shade works naturally in Moorish, Moroccan, Folk Art, African tribal, Bohemian, Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial and globally collected interiors. It can also provide a striking contrast in a restrained contemporary or Wabi-Sabi setting, where the weathered hide, visible craftsmanship and patinated iron introduce warmth and authenticity.

Handcrafted in Marrakech, Morocco, circa 1980, this one-of-a-kind wall-light shade is attributed to the Berber decorative traditions of North Africa. Its materials are hide parchment and iron, and its techniques include hand-stitching, hand-painting, metal forming and traditional handcrafting. It remains in good vintage condition with wear, pigment variation, surface marks and patina consistent with age and artisanal construction.

Dimensions: 16 inches high × 10 inches wide × 7 inches deep. See less