Images(2)

Silk Brocade Document

Date1695-1730

MediumSilk

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 53 x 13in. (134.6 x 33cm) Other (Selvedge Width): 21 3/4in. (55.2cm) Other (Design Repeat (H x W)): 17 3/4 x 10 1/2in. (45.1 x 26.7cm) Physical Description (PPI): 56 Physical Description (EPI): 128

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1973-414,2

DescriptionThis long, rectangular blue fragment has a lacy, symmetrical pattern on a blue ground. The white lace patterning forms cartouches inside of which are abstract vases with lace/diaper patterned floral bouquets. The white patterning is created through areas of plain weave instead of the blue satin weave. Small flowers and leaves are brocaded in yellow, pinks, greens, purples, and blues. All the edges are raw.The triangles forming the bottom angles are both separate pieces seamed onto the main body with light blue yarn in spaced backstitches. Neither piece is pattern-matched to the main fabric.There is fading around the center of the fragment, following the shape of the fragment. There is a separate faded, rectangular patch toward the bottom of the fragment edged in stitch lines, which gives the whole fragment the appearance of a waistcoat front.
Label TextSilk designs in the beginning of the eighteenth century were dense, formal, and symmetrical, but as this piece shows, could also be delicate.
MarkingsThere is a tag at the bottom saying, “2427.”
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.