~Oreillers~

Antique Decorative Pillows and Textiles
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17th English or French Gold & Silver Embroidery with Rare "Purl" Work
 
    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.

 
   
        Size: 21" x 29"                 Price: $3200.00                 Item: #PL65M
     
     
   
Pillows / Next