Ceremonial Wool Dress Embroidered With Gold - Tunisia, Hammamet, Circa 1950

Circa 1940-1960, Tunisia, Hammamet. Spectacular Tunisian wedding dress from the Hammamet region, dating from the mid-20th century. Straight cut, slightly puffed at the hips, open at the front. Black wool cloth densely embroidered with gold sequins and twisted cannetille, creating a jewel-like gown with architectural and floral interlacing designs covering most of the dress. The short sleeves are padded and lined with orange rayon taffeta, further embroidered with flat gold stripes. The collar, neckline, and hem are trimmed with matching gold passementerie braid. The rich gold embroidery adds volume and intensifies the reflections of light. An identical dress was exhibited at the Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac in Paris during the exhibition entitled "Au fil de l'or, l'Art de se vêtir en Orient" (Along the Thread of Gold: The Art of Dressing in the Orient) in 2025. No flaws to report. Exceptional condition. Dimensions: Equivalent to French size 36. Length 94 cm, sleeves 17 cm, shoulder 38 cm, bust 90 cm, waist 84 cm, hips 108 cm.