Table Runner, Souvenir World War 1
Production date
1915
Country
Egypt
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Object detail
Description
Silk fringed cloth with embroidered flowers, flags, leaves and scene of the Sphinx and pyramids. Reads: "Souvenir of Egypt 1915. To Ada from Ian Egypt. Cairo."
Classification
TEXTILES Table Linen dressing table cloth
Production date
1915
Production place
Measurements
Length: 980mm (not including fringe)
Width: 475mm
Width: 475mm
Media/Materials description
Silk (Textiles), Indeterminate Textile (Textiles) metal thread
Signature/Marks
SOUVENIR OF EGYPT\1915\TO ADA FROM SAM EGYPT\CAIRO'
History and use
This silk fringed cloth with embroidered flowers, flags, leaves and scene of the Sphinx and pyramids is a souvenir from World War 1.Souvenirs like this were produced in Egypt and England, often for the Australian soldier market. The troops bought the souvenirs and sent them home to their families, who often framed them or made them into cushion covers and other items. Some items were also exported to Australia and New Zealand and sold there. The inscriptions on this item read: "Souvenir of Egypt 1915. To Ada from Ian Egypt. Cairo." Sadly, the identities of Ada and Ian are not known. They may have been brother and sister, or sweethearts.
Registration number
H27028