Silk Brocade and Lancé Document

Date1750-1760

MediumSilk and silver

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 20 3/8 x 20 5/8in. (51.8 x 52.4cm) Other (Selvedge Width): 21 1/4in. (54cm) Other (Design Repeat (H x W)): 11 1/8 x 10 1/2in. (28.3 x 26.7cm) Physical Description (PPI): 48 Physical Description (EPI): 176

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Francis Henry Lenygon.

Object number1972-487

DescriptionThis white square fragment bears a lattice pattern blue-striped ribbon with rows of pink and purple stems of roses and an abstract, silver fan shape. All sides are pressed to the reverse. The left and right edges are selvedges. The selvedge is held in a plain weave with no additional colors added to the warps. It is slightly corded through the use of thick warps. The selvedge is 8 warps wide (3/16”). The left selvedge is much coarser than the right selvedge. The top edge, while pressed back, is left raw, and the bottom edge is whip stitched down. There is one rectangle Morant stamp saying, “MORANT & Co./91 NEW BOND ST./LONDON, W.”, and “NOT FOR SALE” stamped in the middle of fragment. Both stamps are in purple ink on the reverse.
Label TextThe shiny silver on the fan or leaf shaped part of the design is made from silver hammered into a thin strip then wrapped around a silk core. Since silver was so expensive, it was woven in such a way that barely any silver is on the back of the fabric.
MarkingsOne rectangle Morant stamp saying, “MORANT & Co./91 NEW BOND ST./LONDON, W.” in purple. “NOT FOR SALE” stamped in the middle of fragment. Both stamps are in purple ink on the 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, 1972.