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
Entry Date:
1883
Object Name
Ostrich egg decorated with animals and trees
Culture
Egypt, prob. Nubia
Material/technology:
Ostrich egg, pigment
Dimensions:
Ei: 13,5 x 12 cm
Copyright
Weltmuseum Wien
Collection area
North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia and Siberia
Geography
Nordafrika/Nilländer/Ägypten/Oberägypten
Invs.
16982