Fez Embroidery Blue Square

In Morocco, embroidery developed over centuries, as a result of trade with the eastern Mediterranean, Egypt, and Turkey. The crucial role of the harems, which brought foreign women, such as Circassians and Levantines, who brought with them to Morocco their way of life and embroidery techniques. It was in the great towns that immigrant craftspeople settled that contributed to the dynamism of existing traditions, particularly in the distinctive embroidery of Fez.

The design and style of Fez embroidery, like many other regional Moroccan embroideries, show Hispano-Moresque influence. The design elements are abstracted florals and geometrics. It is almost always monochromatic and reversible. The handwork is executed in a counted thread technique such as reversible double running stitch, stem stitch, back stitch, and others. The embroidery is done with tightly coiled silk on heavy cotton, as with this textile, it is very durable, which means this type of embroidery is often used as a pillowcase or other domestic furnishing.

This blue embroidery was made in Fez, Morocco in the 19th century. It is made of cotton and silk.