A pair of rectangular valances was designed and made to be hung horizontally, most probably along the longer sides of a bed tester. Such elaborate sets of bed furnishings usually comprised of three or four valances, a spread (cover), and possibly curtains, all made employing the same materials and techniques, with their ornamentation sharing the same decorative elements. These two valances are the only extant parts of such an elegant and luxurious set. The linen canvas, used as the base material on which the needlework was worked, is entirely cased with embroidery done either in silk or metal threads. The ground is completely covered with couched, silver metal-wrapped threads, which are applied so densely that the linen canvas underneath cannot be seen. Superimposed on this lustrous ground is a colourful and picturesque decoration rich in details; scrolls, foliage, flowers, butterflies and birds. The scrolling, green and leafy stems are entwined with a wavy stem worked in raised gold and silver metal-wrapped threads. Large flowers (tulips, daffodils, peonies and other) are worked with variegated silks in satin stitch (the needle painting technique) with subtle gradation of numerous hues. The pattern, repeated about four times along each valance, includes a figure of a bare-breasted woman, clad in a cape, with chains around her wrists. It is most probably a depiction of Andromeda, who was stripped and chained naked to a rock by Poseidon, to sacrifice her to the sea monster, but was saved from death by Perseus.