oak bearing acorns, alternately. On both sides runs a border formed of a scroll of vine-leaves, done alternately in gold and silver, upon a green silk ground. North Italian, 15th century. 2 feet 7 inches by 5-1/2 inches.
The whole of this elaborate piece of needlework has been done with
much care, and in rich materials; but as the saints have no peculiar
emblems given them, their identification is beyond hope. Whether
for cope or chasuble—for it might have served for either vestment—this
embroidery must have been very effective, from the bold raised
nature of much of its ornamentation.
8642, 8642A.
Two Pieces of Silk Damask; ground, green and fawn; pattern, intertwining branches of the vine, with bunches of grapes. Sicilian, 14th century. 9-3/4 inches by 4-1/2 inches; 6 inches by 4 inches.
Another of those graceful green and fawn-coloured silks almost
identical in pattern with others we have seen from the same country.
8643.
Piece of Network; ground, reticulated pale brown silk; pattern, a sort of lozenge, in green and in brown silk, hand-embroidered. German, 14th century. 7 inches by 5 inches.
From the circular shape of this piece it seems to have been a portion
of female attire, most likely for the shoulders. One of its ornaments
looks very like a modification of one form of the heraldic mill-rind, with
the angular structure.
8644.
Portion of an Orphrey; ground, gold; pattern, a shield of arms, and an inscription in purple letters, repeated. German, 15th century. 1 foot 9 inches by 2-1/4 inches.
