Antiques, Decorative and Fine Arts Auction

19th C Middle Eastern Thobe Ceremonial Malak Dress

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Start price: CAD $50

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Description

A traditional 19th C Middle Eastern Palestinian Thobe, specifically a ceremonial Malak or Queenly dress from the Bethlehem region, featuring elaborate silk embroidery and red, orange, maroon  and black silk and cotton fabric. 


Origin: Bethlehem, Palestine.
Material: crafted from a mix of silk and cotton.
Features: Heavy, intricate embroidery on the chest panel (qabbeh) and sleeves, using distinctive motifs like sa’at (watches), long, triangular, wide-flaring Mradan Sleeves and cuffs decorated with manajil (sickle) and watch pattern stitching.
Dimensions: Garment measures 54 inches W (sleeve to sleeve), 56 inches L from collar to hem. Sleeve drop 27 inches. 
Condition: Very fragile, notable loss and very brittle fabric.