Physical description

Ornamental toy in the shape of a swan. Made from loose coils of silver wire wrapped around a stuffed body covered in white plain woven silk. The feet and wings have been attached to the body, formed from thicker wire similarly wrapped. Small amounts of black woven silk have been incorporated under the wrapping to indicate the webbed feet and beak. Two black and white glass beads are attached for the eyes.

Place of Origin

England, Great Britain (made)

Date

ca. 1670 (made)

Artist/maker

Edlin, Martha, born 1660 - died 1725 (possibly, maker)

Materials and Techniques

Plain woven silk with silk additions, wrapped in silver wire and with glass beads

Dimensions

height: 8 cm maximum, length: 10 cm maximum

Object history note

Purchased. Registered File number 1989/1572.
Passed down through the female line (usually the eldest daughter in each generation) from the maker to the vendor.
Previously on loan to the V&A since 1927. Part of Lady Gerahty Loan and Lewis Loan. Related papers include NF for Lady Gerahty, NF for Gillian Lewis, 86/713, 89/1572.

Descriptive line

Ornamental toy in plain woven silk in the shape of a swan, possibly made by Martha Edlin, England, ca. 1670

Production Note

Associated with objects made by Edlin

Materials

Silk (textile); Glass; Silver wire

Techniques

Plain weave

Subjects depicted

Swan

Categories

Metalwork; Textiles

Collection code

T&F