Silk Brocade and Lancé Document

Date1740-1753

MediumSilk

DimensionsOverall (L x W): 20 1/4 x 21 5/8in. (51.4 x 54.9cm) Other (Selvedge Width): 21 1/2in. (54.6cm) Other (Design Repeat): 15 7/8 x 10 5/8in. (40.3 x 27cm) Physical Description (PPI): 64 Physical Description (EPI): 72

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Francis H. Lenygon.

Object number1971-300

DescriptionThis nearly square fragment has a cream-colored ground with naturalistic flowers in blues, pinks, and yellows with green and yellow leaves. The design consists of strewn flowers, including carnations and bellflowers repeated twice across the width. The ground is figured with floral shapes extending from the brocade and spots across the entire field. The top and bottom edges are cut, and the sides are selvedges. The selvedges are held in a plain weave with the four innermost warps twisted with blue and green yarns from the brocade design.
Label TextAs the study of botany and natural sciences became popular, textile designs followed suit by showing flowers more realistically. While the layout of this design is somewhat stiff, the flowers are realistically protrayed in natural colors.
MarkingsOn the reverse in purple ink is “NOT FOR SALE” twice, and “MORANT & Co./NEW BOND ST,/LONDON W.” in a rectangle, twice.
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.