Silk Brocade Document

Date1740-1770

OriginEngland or Europe, France or Netherlands

MediumSilk and metal

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 20 x 21 1/2in. (50.8 x 54.6cm) Other (Design Repeat (H x W)): 15 x 10in. (38.1 x 25.4cm) Physical Description (PPI): 64 Physical Description (EPI): 160

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Francis Henry Lenygon.

Object number1972-138

DescriptionThis square cream-colored fragment has a symmetrical design of a central bouquet of pink and blue roses and yellow flowers flanked by S-curve floral vines entwined with white ribbons. There are checked yellow leaves on the vines and held in fleur-de-lis shapes at the edges. All edges are turned under and whip stitched to a red, plain-weave silk lining. Gold lace is applied to all edges but is missing from the lower half of the right edge. The fragment is heavily repaired, but not repieced. The brocade yarns are disintegrating in several places. The ground fabric is white where it was covered by brocade yarns, suggesting that it has darkened over time. There are four large oval stamps in each corner on the lining that say, “MORANT & CO/91, NEW BOND ST./LONDON W.” and one “NOT FOR SALE” stamp in the center. Both are purple.
Label TextAt the beginning of the 20th century, revival styles were very popular. Some decorators, such as Morant & Co., collected historic textiles to use as decorator samples to inspire revival decorations.
MarkingsFour large oval stamps in each corner on the lining saying, “MORANT & CO/91, NEW BOND ST./LONDON W.” and one “NOT FOR SALE” stamp in the center. Both are purple.
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, 1972.