Silk Brocade, Cannelé, and Lancé Document

Dateca. 1775

OriginEngland, London, Spitalfields or Europe, France, Lyon

MediumSilk and silk chenille

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 44 5/8 x 21in. (113.3 x 53.3cm) Other (Selvedge Width): 21in. (53.3cm) Other (Design Repeat): 13 1/2 x 10 1/2in. (34.3 x 26.7cm) Physical Description (PPI): 112 Physical Description (EPI): 160

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Cora Ginsburg

Object number1991-535

DescriptionThis cream, rectangular silk fragment has an extension at the top reaching between selvedges. The ground is figured with stripes of warp floats alternating with thin stripes of plain weave edged in weft floats. The stripes are decorated with pillars of leaves with rose and pansy bouquets, stripes of small stems of roses and other flowers, and thin pillars of leaves, berries, and small roses. The colorful brocaded flowers include shades of red in chenille yarn. The top and bottom edges are raw. The right edge is a selvedge. The selvedges are held in a plain weave with corded warps. The right selvedge has eight warps, while the left selvedge has nine warps. On both sides, the warps are spun with pink and green yarns, but are mostly white. The left edge is a selvedge at the top, but is cut away at an angle, then seamed to open canvas. There is a stitch line about 3 ½” from the top edge. There is also a row of brown threads about 7 ½” from the bottom edge.
Label TextBrocaded silks such as this inspired designs in less-expensive printed textiles.
MarkingsNo marks or inscriptions.
ProvenancePurchased by Cora Ginsburg, Europe, 1954;
Given to CWF, 1991.