This fragment of early 17th century paper may have been used as a wallpaper or as a lining paper for a chest or box. The pattern imitates a style of contemporary embroidery, known as 'black stitch' or 'black work' because it was characterised by the use of black or silver thread worked on white or cream-coloured cloth. Most wallpapers in this period were designed as cheaper substitutes for some other kind of wall-covering, such as tapestry, embroidered hangings or plasterwork.