Vintage Egyptian Birds in Tulip Field Tapestry Rug, 05'06 X 05'08

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79264 Vintage Egyptian Birds in Tulip Field Tapestry Rug, 05'06 x 05'08.

The Aviary’s Eden: An Archival Egyptian Masterpiece of … Read more 79264 Vintage Egyptian Birds in Tulip Field Tapestry Rug, 05'06 x 05'08.

The Aviary’s Eden: An Archival Egyptian Masterpiece of Artistic Liberation

A cherished archival vintage masterpiece, this handwoven wool Egyptian tapestry embodies the visionary ideals of Ramses Wissa Wassef and his celebrated Art Center in Harrania. Although unsigned—a common characteristic of early works—the tapestry’s innovative composition, painterly execution, and meticulous artisanship are strong indicators of its origin. Each weaver at the Center was encouraged to weave from memory and instinct, creating one-of-a-kind works that share a common aesthetic of organic spontaneity and refined technique, hallmarks of Harrania’s weaving tradition.

The tapestry’s dreamlike arrangement of flame-like foliage interspersed with stylized birds reflects the Art Center’s ethos of boundless creativity, where artisans translated their personal visions of Egypt’s flora and fauna into woven poetry. Natural vegetable dyes, applied with a painter’s sensibility, imbue the surface with a vivid yet harmonious palette—from the fiery ochres and glowing corals to the deep emeralds and rich ebony tones. This color orchestration, combined with meticulously handwoven textures, exudes the poise, purity, and timeless elegance that place Harrania tapestries firmly within the canon of modern Egyptian textile art.

Symbolically, the birds—ancient Egyptian emblems of freedom, prosperity, and spiritual transcendence—intertwine with sprouting floral motifs, creating a narrative that feels at once archaic and modernist, a unique heritage bridging Egypt’s pharaonic reverence for nature with mid-20th-century experimental design. Every woven line radiates attention to detail and artisanal excellence, offering a glimpse into the innovative, eco-conscious philosophy that defined Wissa Wassef’s vision for reviving handweaving as a living art form.

Today, works such as this are coveted by collectors and institutions worldwide for their scarcity, unparalleled craftsmanship, and cultural legacy. As both a museum-worthy textile and an extraordinary investment in heritage art, this extraordinary tapestry offers its next custodian not only visual enchantment but also the prestige of owning a historical artifact from Egypt’s most renowned weaving atelier.

Abrash.
Handwoven wool.
Made in Egypt.
Measures: 05'06 x 05'08.
Pile Height: 0.06 of an inch.
Date: 1950's. Mid-20th Century. See less