Vintage French Pictorial Tapestry With Birds and Fish by Mulongoy - Rug & Kilim

Details

Description

This 3x2 vintage French tapestry, dated 1958, is a striking pictorial textile inspired by the work of Mulongoy (Pilipili) of … Read more This 3x2 vintage French tapestry, dated 1958, is a striking pictorial textile inspired by the work of Mulongoy (Pilipili) of the Hangar School. Crafted in wool, the piece reflects the artist’s distinctive visual language translated into textile form, combining painterly composition with decorative weaving. Its compact size and framed presentation further enhance its appeal as a collectible wall hanging, embodying mid-century artistic expression with cross-cultural influence.

On the Design:

This tapestry presents a vivid and narrative-driven composition depicting birds and fish within a stylized natural environment—an iconic subject associated with Mulongoy’s work. The upper register features elongated birds perched along sinuous branches, rendered with bold outlines and patterned plumage.

Their forms are both graphic and expressive, combining simplified anatomy with intricate surface detailing. Surrounding foliage is articulated through rhythmic, almost calligraphic strokes, lending the scene a sense of movement and visual texture.

Below, a contrasting aquatic register introduces fish swimming among sparse vegetation. These figures echo the stylization of the birds, with elongated bodies and patterned scales, creating harmony between the two realms.

The division of space between land and water is clearly defined, yet unified through consistent color and line treatment. The palette is richly polychromatic, featuring earthy ochres, deep greens, warm reds, and soft neutrals. This balanced use of color enhances both the decorative and narrative qualities of the piece. The composition overall reflects a fusion of modernist abstraction and folkloric storytelling, characteristic of mid-20th-century Hangar School works.

Condition:

This vintage tapestry is in good condition for its age and origin – ideally intended for use in wall-hanging projects. See less