Curtain thumbnail 1
Curtain thumbnail 2
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Not currently on display at the V&A

Curtain

19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

At least four different pieces have been joined to one single piece, probably in the early 20th century by machine stitching in cotton. White linen in dukagång (swivel weave - supplementary wefts) with pattern in coloured wool, dark blue (indigo dyed) with some red and green details. Motifs such as star and flower shapes, birds but the biggest piece has repeating design of lions. One piece woven in upphämta, a supplementary weft technique.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Linen and wool, cotton machine stitching
Brief description
Linen with extra weft patterning in blue, red and green, Sweden, 19th century
Physical description
At least four different pieces have been joined to one single piece, probably in the early 20th century by machine stitching in cotton. White linen in dukagång (swivel weave - supplementary wefts) with pattern in coloured wool, dark blue (indigo dyed) with some red and green details. Motifs such as star and flower shapes, birds but the biggest piece has repeating design of lions. One piece woven in upphämta, a supplementary weft technique.
Dimensions
  • Width: 84.2cm
  • Length: 235.5cm
Marks and inscriptions
'Gardin 115/3854 45:-' (Label; Swedish; Probably dealer's identification number and price; Label attached to object)
Translation
'Curtain 115/3854 45 SEK'
Object history
Originally the different pieces would have been used as wall hangings, decorating walls and ceilings of a house in south-east Scania on festive occasions. It is difficult to guess at the original size of the full hanging, as any number of panels, as any of different designs, could have been joined together. Much later pieces joined to a curtain. At bequest, noted as pair to T.173-1934.
Historical context
Curtains were not used in peasant homes in Sweden until mid-19th century, and then usually white and reflecting the influence of the Gustavian and Empire style. These hangings (T.173 to 176-1934) have been assembled and probably used as curtains in the early 20th century by arts-and-crafts enthusiasts in Sweden.
Production
Made by peasants in north-east Skåne (Scania), probably the Frosta district, in late 18th / early 19th century. Originally used as wall hanging
Associated object
Collection
Accession number
T.174-1934

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Record createdApril 3, 2003
Record URL
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