5662.
Four Pieces of Raised Velvet, sewed into one large square; ground, yellow and crimson silk; pattern, a bold floriation in raised crimson velvet. Genoese, 16th century.
A fine specimen of the Genoese loom, showing a well-managed
design composed of a modification of the artichoke, mixed with pomegranates,
ears of corn (rather an unusual ornament), roses, and large
liliacious flowers. Not unlikely this stuff was ordered by some Spanish
nobleman for hangings in the state halls of his palace. Such stuffs are
sometimes to be seen on the canopy in the throne-room of some Roman
princely house, whose owners have the old feudal right to the cloth of
estate.
5663.
Set of Bed Hangings complete, in green cut velvet raised upon a yellow satin ground, diapered in gold. Genoese, 16th century.
The foliated scroll pattern of this truly rich stuff is executed in a
bold and telling manner; and the amber satin ground is marked with a
small but pleasing kind of diaper, which is done in gold thread. To
give a greater effect to the velvet, which is deep in its pile, a cord of
green and gold stands stitched to it as an edging.
5664, 5664A.
Two Pieces of Embroidery; ground, light purple, thin net lined with blue canvas; pattern, nosegays of white and red flowers and large green branches tied up in bunches, with white and with yellow ribbons alternately; the narrow borders, which are slightly scolloped, are figured with sprigs of roses; and the whole is done in bright-coloured untwisted silks, and has throughout a lining of thin white silk.
