Images(2)

Silk Brocade Document

Date1760-1765

MediumSilk

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 25 3/4 x 19in. (65.4 x 48.3cm) Other (Selvedge Width): 19in. (48.3cm) Other (Design Repeat (H x W)): 19 5/8 x 9 1/2in. (49.8 x 24.1cm) Physical Description (PPI): 112 Physical Description (EPI): 176

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Francis Henry Lenygon.

Object number1973-146

DescriptionThis light blue-green panel of brocaded taffeta has a design of polychrome floral bouquets and white ribbons. The bouquets are tight with bright pink roses, and purple and cream roses and daffodils. There are also smaller bouquets of purple stems of pink and white flowers. The bouquets are entwined with curvilinear white ribbons with diaper patterning: diamonds and crescents with circles over dots. There are also spiky white feathers or leaves with green, purple, and pink peacock feather eyes. By each large bouquet is a scalloped purple, white, and yellow ribbon died into a bow. The top and bottom edges are raw. The left and right edges are selvedges. The selvedge consists of 12 warps of plain weave (1/8” wide). There are stitch lines along the selvedges. There is evidence of machine stitching along the top. There are multiple stitch lines and creases along the bottom edge.
Label TextThis silk brocade came to Colonial Williamsburg as part of a large collection of decorator samples from the firm Lenygon & Morant. The firm specialized in revival styles and helped with the interior decoration of the White House under Jackie Kennedy.
MarkingsStamped in purple on reverse:
3 rectangular stamps, “MORANT & CO.,/91, NEW BOND ST,/LONDON,W.”
1 oval stamp, illegible

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, 1973.