Silk Brocade and Lancé Document

Dateca. 1750

MediumSilk (by microscope TMT 9/10/15)

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 20 1/4 x 39 1/4in. (51.4 x 99.7cm) Other (Selvedge Width): 20 1/4in. (51.4cm) Other (Design Repeat (H x W)): 17 1/8 x 9 5/8in. (43.5 x 24.4cm) Physical Description (PPI): 88 Physical Description (EPI): 88

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1974-651

DescriptionThis rectangular cream-colored damask panel features a repeating design of brocaded trees over a self-figured supplemental design. The yellow trees grow from islands and are entwined with floral vines of tulips, roses, carnations, and other flowers. The figured design follows the floral vine in a curvilinear pattern filled with diapering. Each branch of the figuring culminates in a trefoil. The top and bottom edges are raw. The left and right sides are selvedges. The selvedge is held in a plain weave with all thick warps, creating a corded effect. There are twelve white 2-ply S warps, then four light blue warps (3/8” wide). There are stitch lines along both selvedges and evidence of basting or tacking along the bottom edge.
Label TextThis unusual textile combines design elements of two different decades. The trees on islands was a popular motif of the early 1730s, while the self-figured design underneath it was a popular technique of the late 1740s and early 1750s. Despite this, the most interesting part of the textile is undoubtedly the two trees that use lime green in place of the dark green used in the other trees, as it seems to have no basis in the design or repeat. It could indicate a mistake on the part of the weaver.
MarkingsNo marks or inscriptions.
ProvenanceObtained by Paul Grigaut, scholar and collector, Michigan or Virginia;
Obtained by Donald R. Walters, Virginia, likely during estate dispersal;
Sold to CWF, 1974.