Coat

Unknown

1930s · Cotton, silk; 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 primarily red silk thread embroidery is most likely from the rural areas in northwestern Syria. It features traditional designs among floral patterns and stylized trees that represent the tree of life motif or bolt oval medallions, particularly on the front of the coat. Inner linings of printed cotton are typical of Syrian embroidered coats. These linings are also found on the neckline or sleeve’s openings.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1930s

Medium

Cotton, silk; embroidered

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Dr. Marilyn Jenkins-Madina, in memory of her mother, Margaret Pyle Jenkins, 2008