Description
This exquisite collection features four traditional Palestinian wedding jackets, known as Taqusireh, crafted in Bethlehem during the late 19th century under the Ottoman Empire. These jackets were traditionally worn over a bride’s wedding dress and are a testament to the region’s rich textile traditions.
Historical Significance and Craftsmanship
Taqusireh jackets were crafted with luxurious materials imported from across the Ottoman Empire and beyond. Silk and Heremzi fabrics came from Syria and Egypt, Rumi linen from Greece, and Anteri silk from Persia via Turkey. Some experts even suggest that silk was imported from as far as the Atlas Mountains in North Africa.
Jacket Descriptions
- First Wedding Taqusireh:
- Colour: Wine-coloured silk velvet with cotton purple lining fabric.
- Embroidery: Gold metallic thread accented with pink, red, blue, orange, and yellow.
- Design: Known as the “taqusireh mushajjara” or “arboreal jacket” for its palm leaf and floral motifs.
- Dimensions: Width (including sleeves): 68 cm; Height: 48 cm.
- Condition: Excellent.
- Second Wedding Taqusireh:
- Colour: Black or charcoal silk velvet with blue silk lining.
- Embroidery: Silver metallic thread accented with orange, red, blue, turquoise, and green.
- Design: Also called “taqusireh mushajjara,” featuring floral, zigzag, and endless knot motifs.
- Dimensions: Width (including sleeves): 84.5 cm; Height: 45 cm.
- Condition: Excellent.
- Third Wedding Taqusireh:
- Colour: Turquoise blue Ottoman Anteri silk with plain turquoise lining.
- Embroidery: Gold metallic thread accented with red, blue, green, purple, and yellow.
- Design: Features tulips and floral motifs woven into the fabric, with a large star or radiant sun motif on the back and floral wreaths on the front.
- Dimensions: Width (including sleeves): 74 cm; Height: 48 cm.
- Condition: Excellent.
- Fourth Wedding Taqusireh (with Handbag and Head Cap):
- Colour: Beige or off-white silk, likely Syrian or Persian, with plain off-white lining.
- Embroidery: Gold metallic thread accented with purple, orange, and yellow.
- Design: Known for its floral embroidery and four long palmettes on the front. Includes a matching handbag and head cap.
- Dimensions: Jacket width (including sleeves): 77.5 cm; Height: 49 cm.
Handbag: Height: 18 cm.
