~Oreillers~
Antique Decorative Pillows and Textiles
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16th century Italian Raspberry and Ochre Silk Damask Runner
       
     
 
   
   

The textile: A 16th century Italian, probably Lucca, length of raspberry and ochre silk lampas made into a
table runner. Woven with a curvilinear lattice of stylized acanthus leaves and flowers enclosing two-
handled vases containing bouquets of flowers and crowns, typical motifs of the period. Edged with an 18th
century metallic galon/trim, more than likely from a vestment church garment, with a meandering stylized
ribbon interspersed with flowers, back with a matching raspberry colored cotton lining.

Condition: This piece is comprised of three pieces, quite common since this fabric more than likely came
from a dress. I’ve shown in what looks like a run but it’s actually the ground silk weave. Silk lampas gets
its design from a slightly raised or float weft that makes the pattern. What you’re seeing is some of the silk
weft missing but you still have the silk ground, not an imperfection simply age. There are two dime
size black spots that I’ve chosen to leave alone. The lighter coloring on the metallic galon/trim comes from
being folded, the parts are lighter from not being exposed to air which tarnishes metal.

A little history: The Renaissance (French for "rebirth"), was a cultural movement that spanned roughly the
14th through the 17th century, beginning in Italy in the late Middle Ages and later spreading to the rest of
Europe. This “rebirth” is why you’ll see so much ornamentation using plant life and flowers, symbols for
rebirth.

 
        Size: 61 " x 19"                  Price: $2800.00                  Item: TX01N4
           
       
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