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Ostrich egg decorated with animals and trees

before 1855 | Schloss Miramar

Ostrich eggs for the Mauresque roomOstrich eggs suspended in rooms have been known in the Christian and Islamic regions of the Mediterranean since the early modern period. Their purpose is to warn the faithful to safeguard their souls against harm. In bazaars, they are hung on the fronts of streetside shops, and in and above gateways. Ostrich eggs decorate the tombs of saints, churches and mosques. With the fashion for all things Oriental, they find their way into upper class living rooms furnished “in Moorish style“.

Ostrich eggs for the Mauresque roomOstrich eggs suspended in rooms have been known in the Christian and Islamic regions of the Mediterranean since the early modern period. Their purpose is to warn the faithful to safeguard their souls against harm. In bazaars, they are hung on the fronts of streetside shops, and in and above gateways. Ostrich eggs decorate the tombs of saints, churches and mosques. With the fashion for all things Oriental, they find their way into upper class living rooms furnished “in Moorish style“.

Collection:
Schloss Miramar

Accession via:
Ferdinand Max von Österreich (Maximilian von Mexiko) (1832 Wien - 1867 Querétaro (Mexiko)) DNB

Time:
before 1855

Object Name
Ostrich egg decorated with animals and trees

Material/technology:
Ostrich egg, pigment

Dimensions:
Ei: 13,5 x 12 cm

Copyright
Weltmuseum Wien

Invs.
16982