Description: Back in the mid 1990's a friend of mine gave me a box of interesting pieces of fabrics and this was in it. She was from a fairly well-to-do family, was a bit of a free spirit and enjoyed traveling. I thought this embroidery was very nice but as I prefer softer colors I never did anything with it. Now 30 some years later I find it is time to downsize and upon coming across this beauty I thought I ought to pass it along to someone who would really appreciate it and display it properly. From the look of it I don't think it has ever been hung or displayed, but I don't know that for sure. I did a little research to determine just what kind of handwork it might be and discovered that it totally matched the description and pictures of Tenango embroidery done by the Otomi people of Mexico. The bold animal and floral motifs are quite typical but the figure in the center seems to me to possibly be a mermaid. I read that mythical creatures are occasionally depicted but that marine elements are much more rare. The special type of stitches, all hand worked, create a simple outline pattern on the back side of the fabric but a vibrant satin appearance on the front. The base fabric is a medium coarse weave, ivory colored cotton muslin with all the little slubs and flaws one would expect to see in an original piece made by an indigenous artisan in central Mexico. While I do not have personal knowledge of exactly who made it or where it was procured, I feel confident that it is a genuine Otomi Tenango. A piece this size would no doubt have taken weeks to create. The top and bottom edges are the natural woven selvages and the sides are both hand hemmed (as seen in one of the close up pics). The border is a bit irregular due to the nature of the fabric and the stitching process, but this adds to it's charm and authenticity. I did press the piece with a steam iron but if you desire to have it professionally framed I believe it could be gently blocked to flatten it out completely. The edges will probably always be irregular but it is a pleasing rectangular shape and the dimensions are approximately 28 1/2" tall by 34" wide. Thanks for looking and feel free to contact me if you have any questions!
Price: 199 USD
Location: Fortuna, Missouri
End Time: 2024-03-06T03:10:30.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Provenance: Ownership History Not Available
Country/Region of Manufacture: Mexico
Culture: Mexican
Handmade: Yes
