Woven Silk thumbnail 1
Woven Silk thumbnail 2
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images
Not on display

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.

Object details

Category
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
  • Height: 65cm
  • Maximum width: 53cm
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 createdFebruary 18, 2004
Record URL
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