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Not currently on display at the V&A

Fragment

1280-1360 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This palmette-patterned silk is a twill damask. This means that, although it is only in one colour, the design stands out because the diagonal line of the twill goes in the opposite direction to that of the background.

This weave technique was particularly popular in China between the 10th century and the 14th century, although it was first introduced at an earlier date and continued in use in later times.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silk damask
Brief description
Fragment of red silk damask, China or Central Asia, 1280-1360
Physical description
Dark red silk damask with design of palmette and plants.
Dimensions
  • Length: 16.5cm
  • Width: 10.8cm
Credit line
Bock Collection
Object history
Purchased from the Bock Collection, accessioned in 1860. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project.
Historical context
Came from a European Church vestment.
Production
China or Central Asia
Subjects depicted
Summary
This palmette-patterned silk is a twill damask. This means that, although it is only in one colour, the design stands out because the diagonal line of the twill goes in the opposite direction to that of the background.

This weave technique was particularly popular in China between the 10th century and the 14th century, although it was first introduced at an earlier date and continued in use in later times.
Bibliographic reference
Wilson, Verity. Chinese textiles. London: V&A publications, 2005, plate 15.
Collection
Accession number
7046-1860

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Record createdFebruary 14, 2003
Record URL
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