Silk Brocade and Lancé Document

Date17th c.

MediumSilk

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 20 x 20 1/2in. (50.8 x 52.1cm) Other (Selvedge Width): 20 1/2in. (52.1cm) Other (Design Repeat (H x W)): 14 1/2 x 10in. (36.8 x 25.4cm) Physical Description (PPI): 48 Physical Description (EPI): 160

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Francis H. Lenygon.

Object number1971-299

DescriptionThis square fragment of yellow silk bears a symmetrical design of pink and blue baroque flowers. There is a large pink sunflower at the center flanked by carnations and buds in the same color. At the sides are scrolled white stems with feathery leaves in white and green with pink flowers in a different shade than those at the center, and blue tear-drop-shaped flowers. The ground is figured with diaper patterning of offset scallops with a leaf in the center of each. Outside the scrolling stems, the diaper patterning is reduced to diamonds. The left and right edges are selvedges. The selvedges are held in a plain weave and are twelve warps wide. The warps on the right are white twisted with green. The warps on the left are white twisted with yellow. They are slit at irregular intervals. The bottom edge is pressed back and left raw. The top edge is also raw. There are two parallel stitch lines along the bottom edge, and one along the top edge.
Label TextThis fragment is part of a large collection of “decorator samples” from the firm Lenygon & Morant (originally Morant & Company). Mrs. Lenygon was heavily involved in the renovation of the White House under Jackie Kennedy.
Markings“NOT FOR SALE” stamped 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.