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Coverlet

17th century (made)
Place of origin

Coverlet, made up of four lenghts of dark blue silk velvet, embroderied with gilt paper thread and coloured floss silks. The pattern is outlined with white silk cord. Edged with pale blue silk and gilt paper braid. Lined with linen.

In the middle is a compartment formed of eight heart-shaped devices linked together, with a foliated edging; each enclosing a floral device. Within the compartment is a large fantastic bird amidst flowering stems. In each corner is a portion of another pointed comparment containing a two-handled vase, with flowering stems. The remaining space is filled with conventional birds, flowering plants growing from vases, and sprays of peony blossom. The border is filled with a repeating pattern of plan devices with scrolling floral stems, amidst which are pairs of birds.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silk velvet embroderied with gilt paper thread and coloured floss silks
Brief description
Coverlet, silk velvet embroderied with gilt paper thread and coloured floss silks, Chinese for the European market, 17th century
Physical description
Coverlet, made up of four lenghts of dark blue silk velvet, embroderied with gilt paper thread and coloured floss silks. The pattern is outlined with white silk cord. Edged with pale blue silk and gilt paper braid. Lined with linen.

In the middle is a compartment formed of eight heart-shaped devices linked together, with a foliated edging; each enclosing a floral device. Within the compartment is a large fantastic bird amidst flowering stems. In each corner is a portion of another pointed comparment containing a two-handled vase, with flowering stems. The remaining space is filled with conventional birds, flowering plants growing from vases, and sprays of peony blossom. The border is filled with a repeating pattern of plan devices with scrolling floral stems, amidst which are pairs of birds.
Dimensions
  • Width: 211cm
  • Height: 207cm
each loom width is between 53-54 cm
Style
Credit line
Source not recorded
Object history
Nos. 1650 to 1652-1903 purchased for £44.14s.3d

Source not recorded. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project.
Production
Previously attributed as Indo-Portuguese, 17th century (23/09/2019)
Associated object
T.36-1911 (Object)
Collection
Accession number
1651-1903

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Record createdJune 25, 2009
Record URL
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