Lot Essay
The inscription is from sura iii, al-Imran, vv.95 and 96.
This band is from one of the few kiswas made in Mecca before the more recent group began to be woven there in 1956. Until 1923 all were made in Egypt and sent to Mecca. The kiswa was made in Mecca itself between 1928 and 1931, and again between 1933 and 1936, when it reverted to Egyptian manufacture. The missing year of 1932, is when it was commissioned to be made in Germany. Weavers were specially imported to Mecca from Egypt to perform the work. The technique is identical to one sold in these rooms 17 October 1995, lot 8, which bore the commissioning inscription in the name of King Abdulaziz, and differs in may ways, most notably the treatment of the spandrels, from most kiswa bands.
This band is from one of the few kiswas made in Mecca before the more recent group began to be woven there in 1956. Until 1923 all were made in Egypt and sent to Mecca. The kiswa was made in Mecca itself between 1928 and 1931, and again between 1933 and 1936, when it reverted to Egyptian manufacture. The missing year of 1932, is when it was commissioned to be made in Germany. Weavers were specially imported to Mecca from Egypt to perform the work. The technique is identical to one sold in these rooms 17 October 1995, lot 8, which bore the commissioning inscription in the name of King Abdulaziz, and differs in may ways, most notably the treatment of the spandrels, from most kiswa bands.