I've been hoarding these - this is 1 of a group of 4 large 17th century (c.1600s) French Aubusson figural panels we're offering separately. Fabulous old figural salvages which were found in France as upholstery on a pair of 18th century chairs (see photos). Yes, I bought the chairs and had the tapestry removed from them. The 4 are offered separately, and intended to be either framed as the art works they truly are, or made up into large and magnificent decorator pillows, hopefully down-filled and lushly fringed. This one has a moon-like face which seems to have been a fountain. Gorgeous old thing!
This panel, #3 of 4, is a fine figural weaving in silk and wool yarns, and was the upholstery for the seatof 1 of the chairs. The panels used on backs always survive with less loss or pulls than do the chair seats, which take the weight of those who sit on them, but this seat is wonderful. As noted, the tapestry is a salvage from a larger tapestry that is now over 400 years old, and as such has slight imperfections but is supple enough to make up as a pillow top (see final images of it with the other back, which would create a spectacular pair (sold separately). The panel is shown in various possible cuts, giving you an idea of how your pillows will look, though you'll want to add a trim or fringe to compliment the outer edges. I suggest metallic fringe or vintage French passementerie. This panel is free of odors and is clean, ready to be worked up. Again, you are buying 1 panel here which looks to have been restored with sections from a much larger tapestry, like a wall panel.
