Silk Brocade and Lancé Document

Date1760-1770

MediumSilk

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 17 3/4 x 17 1/2in. (45.1 x 44.5cm) Other (Design Repeat Height): 16in. (40.6cm)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Francis Henry Lenygon.

Object number1973-140

DescriptionThis trapezoidal fragment of bright pink satin has a large central grouping of stripes in gradients of pink, black, and white. The stripes are flanked by a brocaded design of bouquets and ribbons. The bouquets have stylized flowers in red, blue, yellow, and purple. The whole is overlaid by white, lace-patterned ribbons with spiky leaves and flowers. The stem of flowers over the stripes is brocaded in an overtwisted cream yarn much more loosely than other period examples. The left and right edges are fraying and blanket stitched to a lining. The bottom edge is raw. The right half of the top edge is raw, and the left half of the top edge is folded back beneath the lining 3 ¾”. There are machine stitch lines along the top and bottom edges. The fragment is seamed vertically down the center, with the selvedges as the seam allowance. The seam is machine stitched. The selvedge is ¼” wide of blue and white striped satin weave (3 stripes of each color).
Label TextThis fragment has two selvedges seamed together down the middle. So, in its original form, the stripes would not be in the center, but along the edges.
MarkingsStamped in purple on lining, “NOT FOR SALE” and oval stamp (twice), “MORANT & CO/INTERIOR DECORATORS/TO HIS MAJESTY.”
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.