Treasures of Moroccan decoration

As we had previously mentioned in our articles on Moroccan handicrafts and Moroccan tableware, there are many bridges between Morocco and France: a common past with colonization, Moroccan immigration to France, a strong interest of the French for the oriental world, a great craft knowledge in Morocco and a developed tourism, a common language… It is thus quite naturally that the wonders of Moroccan decoration have spread to France. Here is a brief overview of its many treasures.

The Moroccan style in heritage of Al-Andalus

Moroccan stucco decorationWhen one evokes Moroccan decoration, the first thing that comes to mind are of course the wonderful riads and palaces of Marrakech. Indeed, how not to succumb to their voluptuousness and their delicious exoticism. The style of these enchanting places is often inherited from the Al-Andalus period, during which the exchanges between Moorish Spain and Morocco were very numerous. Indeed, it is the dynasty of the Umayyads, who, driven out of Damascus, established themselves in Morocco and then conquered Spain. Berber princes then ruled over different provinces of the country. Close ties were thus woven between the two countries, and the artistic and cultural abundance of Moorish Spain, called “Al-Andalus”, was thus transmitted to neighboring Morocco. From an architectural point of view, houses and palaces are most often built around an inner courtyard, in the center of which is a basin. Water management was indeed central in the arid areas of Spain and Morocco, and water was synonymous with fertility and wealth. Then, the walls make a large place to the earthenware, most often composed of mosaics of small green tiles, blue, white, orange, black … The stuccos also occupy an important place, and are generally located above the earthenware to the ceiling, see the ceiling, on the posts, in the door frames … Their work is of an admirable precision.

Lighting and lamps

Moroccan lamp and decoration of the Bahia palaceLighting is at the center of the wonderful atmosphere of the oriental decoration, and the Moroccan craft industry produces many models. It is most often a question of combining the work of metal and glass. The colored glass makes it possible to produce fairy lights. Other models also exist, all in metal, in skin… There are very different levels of quality, and if you really want to bring a touch of Moroccan decoration in your home, to recreate an atmosphere worthy of the palaces and riads you have discovered, we cannot advise you enough to give priority to quality.

Moroccan rugs and cushions

Moroccan rugs and cushions are also essential to create the voluptuous and warm atmosphere that characterizes Moroccan decoration. Many oriental carpets and cushions are manufactured in an artisanal way, and their success is such that their designs are even taken again to manufacture industrial products. These last ones the beni ouarain carpets are very fashionable. Their design rests on a simple base, which is a white set. Then some geometric shapes, which sometimes amount to simple lines, decorate the carpet. Some models also have touches of bright colors. Berber kilim rugs with very colorful designs and ethnic motifs are also very famous. It is most often in these kilims that Moroccan cushions are made. Beware, your cat may enjoy it more than you 😉

Pottery and dishes in Moroccan decoration

It is impossible to make a trip to Marrakech without being tempted to bring back some Moroccan pottery and tableware. This craft is very old and the most famous centers of oriental tableware production are Fez and Safi. The potteries of Fez decorated with a beautiful turquoise blue are very famous. They are made in the form of oriental plates, pots, bowls, vases… The amateurs of Moroccan cooking will have as for them to have their own dish with tajine so as to be able to prepare sublime receipts.

Wood and metal work

Woodworking is also part of the traditional Moroccan handicraft. We can of course mention the boxes and various objects made of cedar wood. The cedar is a species of conifer that produces a magnificent wood of dark color turning a little on the red. One of its particularities is to exhale a sublimely exotic smell. In Essaouira in particular, cabinetmakers produce beautiful objects, which they can also decorate with marquetry. Let’s mention the metal work, which allows in particular to produce the famous Moroccan trays, that you can rest on wooden legs to drink a tea and eat some pastries.

Do you also know the Turkish decoration?

Moroccan decoration is very common in France, and almost every large city has its own store selling handmade items from Morocco. On the other hand, the Turkish handicraft decoration is much more confidential. It is essentially known by travelers who have had the chance to stay in Turkey, and there are very few points of sale in France. Our store is therefore in charge of discovering some of these treasures of Turkish oriental handicrafts, whose styles are sometimes close, sometimes more distant, from Moroccan styles… Do not hesitate to visit our website to know more about it !