The View from Morocco: Buying antiques in the Fez Medina

The other day The View From Fez had a visitor turn up at Riad Zany, asking if we would like to come and inspect a house full of antiques. This was a follow-up from our story about buying antiques in Fez. We were intrigued and, despite having no money for such things and little expertise - we decided to investigate.

After a convoluted trip through the winding back streets of the Ville Nouvelle, we ended up at a nondescript apartment, climbed the stairs and found ourselves in a room filled with antiques.

The owner was not willing to let us make detailed photographs of the individual items but just to give you a rough indication, we found 9 banquettes with carved bases and pure wool covers and cushions, a matching circular table, 11 standing clocks, two grandfather clocks, 6 pairs of ornate candlesticks, 4 mirrors, 5 chandeliers (in good condition) a silver samovar, an extraordinary lion-head door knocker, trays, lamps, wall sconces, a hat stand, 2 incense burners and a very unusual carved marble pillar. There was much much more.

The grandfather clock which was purchased

The style of the antiques is varied but probably centred around the 1930s - and the prices being asked vary from the expensive to the reasonable end of the scale. We mentioned the clocks to a friend who was delighted by the style and quality and purchased the one pictured above. The View from Fez couldn't restrain ourselves and bought an delicate Iranian water jug and basin (below).

The owner of the antiques does not want his details published but we would be happy to pass on information to anyone genuinely interested. Email: fes.riad@gmail.com

Iranian hand-washing jug and basin (click on image to enlarge)