Khayamiyya: The Magnificent Textile Art of Egyptian Appliqué-work
02/17/24 Saturday - Lecture with Seif El Rashidi
Presented In-Person *and* via Zoom
Koret Auditorium, de Young museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
In-Person Tickets: $5, sold at the door only \ free for TAC members
Virtual Tickets (Zoom): $5 Members of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and Students. $10 General Admission \ free for TAC members.
A recording will be available for two weeks following the talk.
Online presentation via Zoom. The presentation will be broadcast live from the Koret Auditorium at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. Tickets for the in-person presentation are sold at the auditorium doors, and cost $5.
A recording will be available for 14 days following the talk.
Khayamiyya: The Magnificent Textile Art of Egyptian Appliqué-work
Join Seif El Rashidi for an overview of a remarkable textile tradition — Khayamiyya — the Egyptian art of tentmaking which has flourished in Egypt for at least 1,000 years. Follow Seif on a fascinating journey tracing the evolution of this textile art from its first beginnings as a technique used to make fantastic appliqué-work tents for state receptions, public celebrations, conquests, and weddings, to the wall hangings and home furnishings of today. Listen to the stories of kings and craftsmen past and present, discover the patterns, poetry, and meanings of these textiles, and learn about the craft today, and the way it reinvents itself to survive.
Seif El Rashidi is an art historian who co-authored The Tentmakers of Cairo: Egypt’s Medieval and Modern Appliqué Craft with Dr. Sam Bowker, published by AUC Press in 2018. Since then, he has organized many exhibitions about different facts of the craft, including collaborative exhibitions linking craftspeople to designers. He has also collaborated with Markaz Egypt to design khayamiyya hangings inspired by Egypt’s past.
Mr. El Rashidi is also the director of The Barakat Trust, a UK-based charity that has supported the preservation of the artistic, architectural, and archaeological heritage of the Islamic world since 1987.
Image courtesy of Nazmiyal Auctions
Khayamiyya is a fascinating example of how traditional textile craftsmanship preserves cultural identity through intricate patterns and carefully applied fabric pieces. The artistry demonstrates remarkable patience, imagination, and attention to detail. Learning about Egyptian appliqué work also highlights the importance of supporting skilled artisans and passing creative traditions to future generations. Distinctive craftsmanship can be appreciated in many areas, from textiles to outdoor design https://www.maefence.com/ similarly emphasizes how material selection and careful workmanship contribute to durable results that complement the character of a property.
This was a fascinating exploration of Egyptian appliqué work and the history behind Khayamiyya textile art. The detailed explanation helps readers appreciate the creativity, patience, and cultural value involved in traditional crafts. I recently read a similar article on https://www.sherwaytrilliumdental.ca/ and it also showed how skilled practices can preserve meaningful traditions.