Entirely hand embroidered, 18th to 19th century and in a decidedly Louis XVI aesthetic, baskets and garlands of flowers, this double-thick silk panel is 10 feet long and 10" wide. From the backside, I think we're seeing the original colors, and likely the topside of the lightly padded needlework panel has faded from light. Found in France, sold to me with a story of it being a cut of a bedspread from the sacking of Versailles when Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette's reign fell to revolutionaries. The first sacking, according to history, was by the fisherwomen, who proceeded to take whatever they could shred and carry off. The work could be that old, and could very well have been a cutting of a bed covering or pelmet embroidery. We won't ever know for certain. In sections, it would make up into stunning silk pillow tops, though, or a stunningly beautiful pelmet or covered top for draperies. Not so easy to photograph a super-long panel. In the decades I've owned it, it has been rolled and archival stored. It will be sent out rolled and boxed.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. I do think it is 18th century. I hope you can see that the silk is heavy, nubby natural silk weave. There are seams, the embroidery is continuous, so it was pieced silk before it was embroidered. Colors of the silk embroidery yarns remain beautiful and complete. The enbroidery in through 2 layers of silk, the backside showing a beautiful shade of blue and the vibrant original silk dyes. May be tiny dot here or there of dust, but no holes and no odors. Keep in mind, 10" wide to work with - 10 feet long. One could fashion clothing from this panel - imagine a bodice for a wedding or evening gown. Enough left over for pillows, too.
