Silk Lancé and Tobine Document

Date1755-1770

OriginEurope, France or Germany or Portugal

MediumSilk

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 33 7/8 x 19in. (86 x 48.3cm) Other (Design Repeat H x W): 9 3/4 x 4 3/4in. (24.8 x 12.1cm) Other (Selvedge Width): 19 1/4in. (48.9cm) Physical Description (PPI): 96 Physical Description (EPI): 160

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1970-50

DescriptionThis rectangular blue fragment has an all-over repeated design of pink, white, cream, and green scattered flowers. The ground is textured by offset warp floats, and the flowers are formed from continuous wefts. On the left and right edges, the selvedges are pressed under and there is evidence of being stitched with 2-ply blue thread. The selvedge is held in a plain weave with white warps, 9 warps wide. The bottom edge is pressed under and whip stitched with white 2-ply thread and there is evidence of another line of 2-ply blue thread. The top edge is cut and raw, with evidence of both the blue and white 2-ply threads.
Label TextUnlike true brocade, the colorful weft floats creating the flowers go across the entire width of the fabric and are held within the fabric’s weave structure. The unique texturing of the ground is created through supplementary warp floats.
MarkingsNo marks or inscriptions.
ProvenanceObtained by Cora Ginsburg;
Sold to CWF, 1970.