Silk Tobine Document

Date1780-1790

MediumSilk

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 34 1/2 x 18 3/4in. (87.6 x 47.6cm) Other (Design Repeat (H x W)): 5 x 9 1/2in. (12.7 x 24.1cm) Physical Description (PPI): 144 Physical Description (EPI): 176

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Francis H. Lenygon.

Object number1971-269

DescriptionThis semi-rectangular fragment is a striped tobine with the figuring floats on the reverse of the fabric. The floats are moved to the front to form the design of closely repeating stems of flowers in a checkerboard pattern (4”x3” repeat). There are two white curvilinear vines with pink flowers. The small white flowers have green leaves and centers, and pink buds. The top, bottom, and left edges are raw, as is the bottom seven inches of the right edge. The rest of the right edge is a selvedge. The selvedge is pink and held in a plain weave. From the outside in, there are four corded warps, then twelve standard warps. There are tack holes along the top and part of the left edge. The fragment is shaped like a bench cushion.
Label TextThis fabric uses an interesting technique where supplementary warps are floated above the body fabric creating a ridged texture. On this piece, however, the floats are on the reverse and are only seen on the face in the flowers.
Markings“(31)” handwritten at the top in blue.
ProvenanceThis is one of a large collection of "decorator samples" from the firm of MORANT & COMPANY, obtained by Morant & Co., 91 New Bond Street, London, before 1930. The firm, later known as LENYGON & MORANT, was transferred to New York about 1930.
Given to CWF, 1971.