A magnificent figural antique silk embroidery on silk velvet panel in a superb palette of colors for today's interiors, professionally made up as the focal point and top of a large sofa pillow. The panel is trimmed in antique metallic French Passementerie braid trim, and matching fringe borders each end. Made up recently, it is complimented with the cotton napped velvet used to outer sides and a compliment in darker gray-brown for the backside. Pillow form feels to me to be a down/feather mix, isn't 100% down but is cushiony and lusk and will tuck. Fully, 23.5" plus fringe and 15" in overall height in this horizontal format. Definitely an Orient feel to it, the velvet, though, makes me think of Fortuny velvets. I'm not positive of the panel's origin.
Very good condition for age and type, the antique feature panel, silk on silk napped velvet, c.1830-50, I'd estimate, shows age only in the typical losses of some of the old silk nap. The look is fabulous. The panel is beautifully re-mounted as feature against new materials and will hold up for centuries more. As noted, all trim passementerie, braid and fringe, are also Antique French made and are metallic threads, both aged and with the same patina. This one has been sewn closed over the pillow form, a neat seamwork along the bottom, rather than zippered. Clean and fresh, there is no odor or anything which sometimes is a bother with antique panels. This one would show as well in a modern decor as with antiques - it's that very "in" palette. As you can see, it works in 2 of my rooms here at home. Would work in 2 or 3 in my other home, too. Don't let me keep it too long. Loving this one!
