Velvet is a type of fabric with a raised pile surface, created during weaving with an extra warp. The loops of the pile may be cut or left uncut, and it can be woven in different fibres to suit its purpose. This velvet has a ground structure woven from silk and silver-gilt thread, with a silk pile. The most hard-wearing velvet was woollen velvet, suitable for upholstered seats and backs of furniture. It would have been less expensive and more practical than a silk velvet of equivalent complexity of design and colouring. Silk velvet such as this was therefore a luxury item.