Silk Brocade Document

Date1735-1740

MediumSilk

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 21 1/8 x 25 7/8in. (53.7 x 65.7cm) Other (Design Repeat (H x W)): 18 3/4 x 10 5/8in. (47.6 x 27cm) Physical Description (PPI): 104 Physical Description (EPI): 192

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Francis H. Lenygon.

Object number1971-297

DescriptionThis fawn-colored rectangular fragment has a repeated pattern of large, exotic trees, flowers and fruits growing from islands. The trees are growing large figs, and beside the tree is a large purple flower. The fragment has a fawn ground with brocade in three shades of green, yellow, two shades of blue, four shades of pink, brown, and cream. The left edge is selvedge, pressed back. The selvedge is 9 warps wide (about 1/8”), held in a plain weave. All the other edges are cut and mostly pinked. The fragment is pieced on the upper left and along the right side.
Label TextThis “island motif” was a very popular design during the middle of the 1730s. Technological advances allowed for much more realism in weaving than previously, permitting designers to create the naturalistic foliage seen in this fragment.
MarkingsStamped on reverse in purple, “NOT FOR SALE” and “4677”
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.