The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 20, 2025

Mirror cover (tensifa)

1700s

Africa, North Africa, Morocco, Tétouan, Moroccan embroiderer

Linen, silk, dye
Overall: 333.9 x 56.6 cm (131 7/16 x 22 5/16 in.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade 1916.830
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

Satin stitch is used to produce the broad, smooth surface of the floral patterns seen here.

Description

Special embroidered textiles were used by newylwed Moroccan couples to cover the mirror in their home. This was done to protect them from the evil eye and unfavorable gazes.
  • ?–1916
    Mr. Jeptha Homer Wade II [1857–1926] and Mrs. Ellen Garretson Wade [1859–1917], Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    1916–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Stone, Caroline. The Embroideries of North Africa. Burnt Mill, Harlow, Essex: Longman, 1985. p. 73
    Paydar, Niloo Imami, and Ivo Grammet. The Fabric of Moroccan Life. Indianapolis, Ind: Indianapolis Museum of Art, 2002. p. 68
    Denamur, Isabelle, Pierre Ferbos, and Louise Rogers Lalaurie. Moroccan textile embroidery. Paris: Flammarion, 2003. p. 58-59
    Alaoui, Rachida. Florilège de la broderie marocaine. [Milan]: Skira, 2011. p. 48
    Meek, Rachel. "Outfit for the Royal Guard, Siam Mirror Cover, Morocco." HALI 224 (Summer 2025): 28-29. Reproduced: p. 29, fig 2
    Meek, Rachel. "Outfit for the royal guard, Siam; Mirror cover, Morocco." The Hali Antique Carpet and Textile Art Fair, vol.224 (Summer 2025), pp. 28–29 Mentioned and Reproduced: p. 29
  • {{cite web|title=Mirror cover (tensifa)|url=false|author=|year=1700s|access-date=20 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1916.830