8667.
Portion of an Orphrey, wrought partly in the loom, partly by the needle, and figured with an angel-like youth holding before him an armorial shield, as he stands within a Gothic niche, with an inscription below his feet. German, very late 15th century. 10-1/2 inches by 5-1/2 inches.
This instructive piece deserves the attention of those who study
embroidery. The loom was geared in such a manner that the spaces
for the head, face, neck, and hands were left quite empty, so that they
might be filled in by the needle. But this was not all the hand had to
do; the architectural features of the canopy, its shading in red, the
nimb, and nicely floriated diapering all over the angel's golden alb,
were put in by the needle.
The inscription, woven in, reads "Johā vā geyē," and the piece is figured in Dr. Bock's "Geschichte der Liturgischen Gewänder des Mittelalters," 2 Lieferung, pl. xv.
8668.
Part of an Orphrey, mostly loom-woven, and figured with the Crucifixion, on one side of which stands the Blessed Virgin Mary, on the other, St. John the Evangelist, German, late 15th century. 12-1/4 inches by 5 inches.
Like the preceding piece, the greater part is woven, even the body
itself of our Lord, so that in His figure, as in those of His mother and
the beloved disciple, the only embroidered portions are the head and
face, besides those blood-spots all over His person, the tricklings from
His five wounds, and the crossed nimb about His head.
8669.
Portion of a Maniple, in much faded tawny silk; pattern, a rose-like floriation. Flemish, 16th century. 1 foot 10-1/2 inches by 3-1/4 inches.
Though peculiar, the pattern in the design of this silken stuff is very
pretty; the piece of parti-coloured silken fringe that edges the end of
this maniple is older than the textile to which it is sewed.
