Without a Catholic background, I can't tell you much about the use of these ecclesiastical stoles, other than they drape over a priest's robes for ceremonies. They are inherently beautiful and often come to market with tapestry dealers who sell fragments to be made up into center panels of decorator's throw pillows. Silk thread embroideries in both thread and silver and gold metallic threads, you see florals or elegant florals and figural crane or swans at the wider point in the stole. Additional length added by 1.5" long metallic fringe. Silk backing in claret red, the fabrics are in remarkably beautiful condition. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age or type. Dating to earliest 1900s or later 1800s, silk on silk, elegant thick silver metallic thread becomes the feathers of the bird. I am undecided whether crane or swan, certainly symbolic in ways I don't understand. I find no holes. There is an embroidered cross at the joining seam which would fit at the back of neck when worn. Embroidery on the entire length of it. No stains or odors.
