Woven Silk
1300-1400 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Italy was the principal silk weaving country in Europe in the 14th century and produced extremely technically accomplished silks, such as this brocaded lampas, with patterns based on Near Eastern and other examples.
Such patterns, although influenced by other cultures, were modified to suit European taste. During the 14th century they developed a freer form in design, moving away from the confining circles and other shapes which had previously been used to frame real or imaginary animals and birds. These luxury textiles, which often included metal threads, silver-gilt in this case, were highly desirable and traded throughout Europe. They were used for both dress and furnishings in ecclesiastical and secular contexts.
Such patterns, although influenced by other cultures, were modified to suit European taste. During the 14th century they developed a freer form in design, moving away from the confining circles and other shapes which had previously been used to frame real or imaginary animals and birds. These luxury textiles, which often included metal threads, silver-gilt in this case, were highly desirable and traded throughout Europe. They were used for both dress and furnishings in ecclesiastical and secular contexts.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Woven silk |
| Brief description | Brocaded silk lampas with leopards and eagles |
| Physical description | Woven silk with a repeating pattern of leopards |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | Silk lampas
Woven in silk faded from pink, brocaded in silver-gilt thread
Italian; 1350 - 1400
A collared leopard is lying beneath a tree with flowers and fruit; in front is a fence and on the right an eagle with outspread wings. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Italy was the principal silk weaving country in Europe in the 14th century and produced extremely technically accomplished silks, such as this brocaded lampas, with patterns based on Near Eastern and other examples. Such patterns, although influenced by other cultures, were modified to suit European taste. During the 14th century they developed a freer form in design, moving away from the confining circles and other shapes which had previously been used to frame real or imaginary animals and birds. These luxury textiles, which often included metal threads, silver-gilt in this case, were highly desirable and traded throughout Europe. They were used for both dress and furnishings in ecclesiastical and secular contexts. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 832-1894 |
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| Record created | February 18, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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