Silk Brocade Document

Date1760-1770

MediumSilk

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 27 1/2 x 24in. (69.9 x 61cm) Other (Selvedge Width): 20 1/4in. (51.4cm) Other (Design Repeat): 17 5/8 x 10in. (44.8 x 25.4cm) Physical Description (PPI): 88 Physical Description (EPI): 192

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Francis H. Lenygon.

Object number1971-270

DescriptionThis irregular rectangular fragment of taffeta has a striated blue ground with a polychrome floral and ribbon design. The design consists of white, curvilinear ribbons with lace patterning in white and teal. The ribbons are entwined with white flowers and pink and brown stylistic flowers or shells. They are offset with polychrome bouquets of naturalistic flowers and leaves with short stems. The left, top and bottom edges are raw. The right edge is a selvedge. The 1/8 " selvedges are held in a plain weave and are sixteen warps wide. They look lighter than the ground color because the plain weave is more balanced, showing more of the white weft. The main panel is pieced in two places, and the seams are carefully pattern matched. They are stitched with straight stitches in light brown thread. Another seam runs up the left side and is two selvedges stitched together, without aligning the patterns. It is stitched with the same technique in the same thread. The left edge is pressed back with remnants of the same light brown thread along with darker threads. There are machine stitch lines along the top and bottom edges. There are also stitch lines along the right edge both in straight lines and in a scalloped pattern, which suggests past applied trim.
Label TextThis fragment is part of a large collection amassed by the Lenygon and Morant Company. Lenygon and Morant were interior decorators who focused on historical styles during the early decades of the twentieth century.
Markings“NOT FOR SALE” stamped twice in purple on reverse
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, 1971.