The rich elegance of centuries old French tapestries have always drawn me, pulled me through museums, and chateau, palaces and exhibitions. They often represent the work of many people, and many years. Tapestries were made on warp, weaving intricate images with natural dyed wools and silks, then were hung as (often) massive wall hangings that both told triumphant or colloquial stories and kept out the drafts of those stone walls. Basically, insulation that doubled as praise of the King or Queen, or the Nobility's conquests, or biblical scenes incorporating the Chateau's owner, family. The remnants are sought after, and I've collected them for 40 years. Some have made their way into pillow tops. The one you see here is so rich in color and appeal, and would have been a salvage of a border around a huge and magnificent wall tapestry. I've enjoyed it for a long time as you see it. One of my early ones, found in Paris, its colors have not faded in the 300-400 years since the Master weavers of Aubusson or Beauvais ateliers worked it. It is set into a soft light brown cotton and silk vintage velvet with a piping edge, and 1 1/2" width of lush loopy French passementerie fringe which draws from the tapestry colors. The fill is a down pillow, and a zipper back allows you to replace it. No odors, non-smoking environment. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good condition for age and type, it's quite remarkable for the fine weave, tight rich colored yarns of silk and wool, and for the Master artisans of 17th century France, in places like Aubusson, Beauvais, where the tapestries were created. Vintage velvet and fringe compliment the focal point, that centuries old tapestry, which remains tight and with few, if any, worn or warp-released spots. Ready for another 100 years. Again, this one is down-filled and the orientation of the fruit and vines tapestry allows you to crease the top like the decorators like. More for decor than for lounging upon - the old tapestries. The color scheme on this one will move through most decors, traditional to modern.
