Oriental Harbour

The original tapestry called 'Ports de mer', was woven in Beauvais in Northern France, at the end of the 18th century. In Oriental Harbor we see a port of ships, bags of cargo, chests and globe amidst ivy lined trees on a busy harbor. This fancy harbor appeals to the time's trend for exoticism. The Oriental movement in Europe was based on a thirst for all things exotic including trade with Eastern nations, and acquisition of Oriental art and goods. The fascination with Asia was accelerated by travel via the sea as well as the Silk Road where European merchants traveled thousands of miles to exchange goods with Oriental cultures. This tapestry depicts this scene with rich colors of autumn with its golds, oranges and deep greens. It brings a sense of exotic flair to any room or home.