24th Nov, 2018 10:30 GMT/BST

Costume, Accessories & Textiles

 
Lot 2024
 

2024

A Circa 1840s Indian Block Printed Quilt, in strippy pattern depicting decorative birds with exotic

A Circa 1840s Indian Block Printed Quilt, in strippy pattern depicting decorative birds with exotic tail feathers, faded floral strips, strips of Chinese pagodas in similar colours, another of nesting birds and a flying bird with a fish in his mouth, single mast sailing boat with two flags, an edging depicting 'Zarafa and Atir', the female Nubian giraffe gifted from Muhammed Ali of Egypt to King Charles X of France in 1826, white to the reverse, 266cm by 276cm

Zarafa
was a female Masai giraffe, and as a baby was captured and travelled 3500 miles by boat from Sudan, with the company of three cows providing her with 25 litres of milk a day. Zarafa was one of the first giraffes seen in Europe for over 300 years, they were thought to be imaginary figures similar to unicorns and dragons. Zarafa was a sensation on her trip through France and eventual arrival in Paris, where she was received with great affection. She lived in the Jardin des Plantes in Paris for 18 years, till her death in 1845. She even influenced contemporary fashions with 'coiffure a la girafe' which became fashionable in homage to her, hair was propped high on the head, like her ossicones.

Sold for £1,800
Estimated at £1,000 - £2,000


 

. Condition; some of the brown fabrics to giraffe have split. Couple of splits and wear overall, some fading.

 


We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.

Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.

We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.

Auction: Costume, Accessories & Textiles, 24th Nov, 2018

Costume, Accessories & Textiles

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