ITALY
17th century
Silk and metal embroidery thread, velvet
69″ x 47 1/4″

The larger-than-life, fantastic flowers and curving leaves and stems of this brocade banner, as well as the painterly use of polychrome silk embroidery and metal thread ornamentation, point to Italian and Sicilian vestments dating from the second half of the 17th to the beginning of the 18th century. These were often produced at schools that practiced embroidery, or by women’s religious orders. This textile surely served a ceremonial purpose, whether sacred or secular. It has seen much use, and offers a wabi sabi baroque beauty to a modern interior. In fragile condition.