Silk Brocade and Lancé Document

Date1700-1710

MediumSilk

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 14 1/8 x 22 3/4in. (35.9 x 57.8cm) Other (Selvedge Width): 22 3/4in. (57.8cm) Other (Design Repeat Width): 7 3/8in. (18.7cm) Physical Description (PPI): 48 Physical Description (EPI): 120

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Francis Henry Lenygon.

Object number1973-130

DescriptionThis rectangular fragment of green satin has a bizarre design in white, pink, and blue repeated three times across the width. The design has abstract flowers, possibly lilies, growing from white abstract/baroque scrollwork. The whole is over a subtle damask pattern of abstract curves textured in checkerboard patterns. The top and bottom edges are pinked. The left and right edges are selvedges. The selvedge consists of 18 warps of twill weave (5/16” wide). There are blue stains on the front of the fragment. The pinks have all faded to be almost the same shade on the front. There is a line of machine stitching along the bottom edge.
Label TextPeter Thornton described Bizarre silks as “so fantastic as to be virtually indescribable.”
MarkingsStamped in purple along bottom edge of front, “NOT FOR SALE”
Stamped in purple on reverse, “NOT FOR SALE” and two oval “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, 1973.