Izar-as-Samawa Iraqi Wedding Blanket Very rare Mid Century Izar-as-Samawa, commonly known as an Iraqi Wedding Blanket, from the Ma’dan community* in southern Iraq. Circa 1960's. 254cm x 90cm.   Traditionally created from two panels of red wool twill sewn together then embroidered, it is very unusual to find a single runner. The selvages on this example are finished along both edges, though the asymmetric design suggests it may have originally been intended to form the left side of a larger piece that never came to fruition. Densely embroidered with human and animal figures among flowers and traditional motifs, the sun faded colour palette has changed dramatically over the years from deep pinks and reds to the softest most delicate pastel tones. Condition: Small losses to the embroidery throughout, most notably on the figures at the bottom end in our images. One small hole in the twill ground. An area of discolouration to the left edge. The face is sun faded, the back is much brighter and deeper in colour. Due to the density of the embroidery both sides are attractive enough to be displayed. Please see all images and video for full condition. *The Ma’dan people were heavily persecuted by the Iraqi regime, their marshland home being drained in 1991 as punishment for harbouring rebels, resulting in the traditional culture and lifestyle being abandoned. Listing on our site here: https://www.rochecoward.com/product-page/izar-as-samawa-runner-iraqi-wed...