a fleur-de-lis, all in red silk. French, 13th century. 3-3/4 inches by 1-7/8 inches.
Of this kind of textile, wrought by women in a small loom, we have
before us in this collection several specimens; and what was done
by poor females at the time in England and France, it is likely was
performed by industrious women elsewhere. The fleur-de-lis upon
this fragment leads us to think of France; but Dr. Bock informs us that
laces much like this in pattern were observed upon the royal robes in
which two princes of the imperial house of the Hohenstaufen were clad
for their burial, when their graves were opened in the cathedral of
Palermo.
1248.
Piece of Silk and Gold Brocade; ground, blue silk; design, a broad border with large pretended Arabic letters, and a griffin(?) segreant, both in gold. Sicilian, early 13th century. 8-1/4 inches by 4-7/8 inches.
The heraldic monster-bird here, supposed to be a griffin, is drawn
and executed in a very spirited manner.
1249.
Linen, embroidered, in gold and silk, with the figure of a king. German, late 12th century. Diameter 6-3/4 inches.
The figure of this grim-bearded personage is carefully worked, and
the gold employed is good though thin. Upon his head he wears a
crown, such as are figured upon the monuments of the time; the face
is badly drawn, but the ermine lining of his mantle is carefully represented.
1250.
An Orphrey; ground, gold; design, various subjects from Holy Writ, with borders; the whole length figured with monsters, floriations, and an inscription. French, 13th century. 4 feet 2 inches by 7 inches.
