Vintage Moroccan Berber Hand-Painted Hide and Iron Fan-Form Wall Sconce, 1980

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Description

A distinctive vintage Moroccan wall-light shade handcrafted in Marrakech circa 1980, this sculptural piece combines hand-painted hide parchment with a … Read more A distinctive vintage Moroccan wall-light shade handcrafted in Marrakech circa 1980, this sculptural piece combines hand-painted hide parchment with a traditional forged iron framework. Its dramatic fan-shaped triangular silhouette and warm red, ochre-yellow and brown decoration give it the presence of both a functional lighting accessory and a collectible work of African tribal art.

The shade is constructed around a dark iron frame that forms its architectural outline, central support and lower circular ornament. Hide parchment has been stretched and stitched directly onto the metal structure using traditional handcrafting methods. The surface is then decorated by hand with expressive geometric and flowing motifs inspired by Moroccan Berber textiles, henna patterns and North African body-art traditions. Variations in the pigment, stitching, hide texture and painted lines are evidence of its artisanal construction rather than manufacturing imperfections.

When positioned over an existing wall-light fitting, the parchment naturally filters the illumination and produces a warm, atmospheric glow. The ochre-yellow hide becomes especially inviting when lit, while the red hand-painted designs and dark iron border remain visually prominent. This softened lighting effect is well suited to an entryway, bedroom, hallway, dining room, home theater or intimate seating area.

Please note that this offering is for the decorative Moroccan hide wall shade only. It does not contain wiring, a socket, a bulb or other electrical components. It is designed to be installed over a compatible existing wall-light fitting or adapted by a qualified professional for the intended location. Professional installation by a licensed electrician is recommended. The wall shade can also be displayed without illumination as a sculptural African wall decoration.

Its unusual dimensional form projects approximately 9 inches from the wall, creating greater architectural presence than a flat decorative panel. The piece works particularly well in Moroccan, Moorish, Folk Art, Bohemian, Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, Wabi-Sabi and globally collected interiors. It can also introduce color, texture and handcrafted character into a restrained contemporary room.

Additional related wall shades may be available. Because each example was individually handcrafted and hand-painted, the internal motifs, brushwork, hide coloration and aged surface character vary slightly from one shade to another. They are complementary but are not exact matches. This individuality makes each shade an authentic one-of-a-kind Moroccan decorative object. Please inquire about availability if a pair, series or larger wall arrangement is desired.

The wall shade retains the surface variations and character associated with vintage hand-worked hide and iron. Minor irregularities, tonal differences, signs of age and natural variations in the parchment are consistent with its handmade construction and circa-1980 date. These qualities contribute to the warmth and authenticity of the piece.

Handcrafted in Marrakech, Morocco, this vintage Moroccan Berber wall sconce shade offers an expressive combination of African tribal design, illuminated parchment, hand-painted decoration and artisanal ironwork. Whether used over an existing light source or displayed as wall art, it creates a memorable decorative focal point.

Dimensions: 16 inches high × 11 inches wide × 9 inches deep.

Attributes: attributed to Berber artisans of Morocco; Marrakech origin; circa 1980; Folk Art and Moroccan tribal style; hide parchment and iron construction; hand-painted, hand-stitched and handcrafted techniques; red, ochre-yellow and dark brown palette; shade only, without electrical components. See less