Tassel
1600-1700 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
Tassels are bunched groups of thread which have been bound together decoratively, and are hung from furniture or other objects, for a purely ornamental purpose. They were used in the 17th century as part of the elaborate 'passementerie', or trimmings, put on to bed hangings and chair covers by upholsterers. This tassel was made in matching larger and smaller versions.
Materials & Making
Since the purpose of tassels like these was to enhance the visual effect of furniture and hangings they were usually made in eye-catching materials, such as gold and silver thread or brightly-coloured silks. Contrasts in pattern and texture were achieved by building up layers, sometimes on a wooden core, and sometimes with an elaborate wire structure, as here. The significant value of such tassels as costly items in their own right meant that they were often specified in inventory descriptions of furniture.
Tassels are bunched groups of thread which have been bound together decoratively, and are hung from furniture or other objects, for a purely ornamental purpose. They were used in the 17th century as part of the elaborate 'passementerie', or trimmings, put on to bed hangings and chair covers by upholsterers. This tassel was made in matching larger and smaller versions.
Materials & Making
Since the purpose of tassels like these was to enhance the visual effect of furniture and hangings they were usually made in eye-catching materials, such as gold and silver thread or brightly-coloured silks. Contrasts in pattern and texture were achieved by building up layers, sometimes on a wooden core, and sometimes with an elaborate wire structure, as here. The significant value of such tassels as costly items in their own right meant that they were often specified in inventory descriptions of furniture.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silk and metal thread on a wooden core |
| Brief description | Tassel with striped cord, possibly made in England, or imported from Italy or France, 17th century |
| Physical description | Silk and metal thread tassel on a wooden core |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label |
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| Summary | Object Type Tassels are bunched groups of thread which have been bound together decoratively, and are hung from furniture or other objects, for a purely ornamental purpose. They were used in the 17th century as part of the elaborate 'passementerie', or trimmings, put on to bed hangings and chair covers by upholsterers. This tassel was made in matching larger and smaller versions. Materials & Making Since the purpose of tassels like these was to enhance the visual effect of furniture and hangings they were usually made in eye-catching materials, such as gold and silver thread or brightly-coloured silks. Contrasts in pattern and texture were achieved by building up layers, sometimes on a wooden core, and sometimes with an elaborate wire structure, as here. The significant value of such tassels as costly items in their own right meant that they were often specified in inventory descriptions of furniture. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 1502A-1888 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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