Silk Brocade Document

Dateca. 1750 or 19th century reproduction

MediumSilk

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 19 7/8 x 20 7/8in. (50.5 x 53cm) Other (Selvedge Width): 20 7/8in. (53cm) Other (Design Repeat (H x W)): 11 1/2 x 20 7/8in. (29.2 x 53cm) Physical Description (PPI): 72 Physical Description (EPI): 192

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Francis H. Lenygon.

Object number1971-322

DescriptionThis shield-shaped fragment has a pink ground made by pink and white wefts and white warps. It has a repeating design of strewn stems of flowers. The pink, blue, and yellow flowers are over a self-figured design of S-curved, lacy patterning. The self-patterning also follows the brocading. Though the pattern appears to repeat three times across the width, the colors do not repeat across the width. While most of the brocade is discontinuous, the green is continuous, but not held to the main fabric with tie downs. The left and right are selvedges. The selvedge is held in a plain weave with white warps, and wefts of pink and white twisted together. It is 10 warps wide (3/16”) and is slit at regular intervals. The bottom edge is pressed back, but left raw. The top edge is pinked. There are several lines of stitching parallel to the edges with very regularly spaced holes (could be machine stitching), that may indicate past applied trim. There is a patch in the upper left corner.
MarkingsStamped onto reverse: “NOT FOR SALE” and four small stamps saying “MORANT & CO./91 NEW BOND ST./LONDON, W.”
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.