Robe

Unknown

1875–1939 · Linen; embroidered · Islamic Art

Many designs and motifs featured on Syrian clothing are important indicators of local cultural, social, and probably religious identity. This coat, composed of black cotton with colorful silk thread embroidery, is most likely from the rural areas of Syria. The garment is open down the front and slightly fitted. It features traditional designs among bold geometric designs, including a diamond-shaped medallion on the wearer’s chest. Floral patterns and stylized trees represent the tree of life motif or bold oval medallions on the garment’s front. Typical for Syrian embroidered coats from northern Syria are the diverse range of colors of embroidered stitches – red, yellow, green, blue, purple, or orange – and a preference for geometric motifs such as zigzags or lozenges. On the front is a large diamond medallion design that would cover the chest part of the wearer.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1875–1939

Medium

Linen; embroidered

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Irene Lewisohn and Alice Lewisohn Crowley, 1939