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English
or French, 17th century, couched silver and gold metal raised
embroidery on the original green silk velvet. Appliqués of leaves
were cut from
woven cloths of gold and silver and applied to cut pile silk velvet then
outlined
with gold metal cording. Raised areas were stuffed with padding and covered
with cloths of gold giving this remarkable textile a three dimensional
quality.
Areas of thick metal purl can be seen in the very center of the middle
leaves.
“Purl” is a form of metal embroidery thread coiled like a
tiny spring, something
that is no longer done today. Trimmed out with four different 18th century
handmade silk and metal trims. Backed with deep moss green silk velvet.
A truly amazing textile in the fact the design was entirely
worked by hand. The
high cost of metal threads meant that they were used sparingly and because
they
were fairly stiff and bulky when twisted together they were seldom pulled
through the fabric. Instead they were laid on the surface and attached
with silk
threads.
Fabulous
condition with minor rub to the silk velvet pile.
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