These two pieces give us specimens of those gorgeous stuffs so often sent forth to the world from the looms of Tuscany, and afford, in portions of the design, samples of velvet raised upon velvet so very rarely to be found. The little short loops, or spots, of gold thread, with which the velvet is in some parts freckled, ought not to go unnoticed.
8681.
Piece of Embroidery, wrought with a running pattern of leaves and flowers in coloured threads upon a golden ground, now much tarnished. German, 16th century, 1 foot 6 inches by 4-1/2 inches.
Embroidery in thread is of somewhat rare occurrence.
8682.
Part of a Web for church use, wrought in thread and silk upon a golden ground, now much faded. The pattern, trees bearing white flowers, bunches of white lilies, wheels with stars, and the words "Jhesus, Maria." Cologne, late 15th century. 6 feet by 5 inches.
That it once formed a frontlet or border to the front edge of an
altar-cloth is very likely, not only from the spots of wax with which it is
in some parts sprinkled, but more especially from the way in which
its pattern is wrought, so as to be properly seen when stretched out
horizontally.
8683, 8684.
Two Specimens of Web for church use; woven in silks, upon a golden ground; the first with the sacred name "Jhesus," and a tree bearing white and red flowers, with daisies at its foot, and the name "Maria," beneath which is a garland of white and red flowers twined about the letter M; the second, with a round ornament, having red and gold stars
