Front and back a luxurious, lustrous, dense, low pile antique silk velvet. It is a wonderful, rich taupe colour that changes 

shade when viewed from different angles. On to this has been stitched an earlier oval flower motif. 

Originally, I suspect, a fragment of ecclesiastical embroidery created

c.1700 or earlier.

Clearly the work of a professional embroiderer. It is a superb example of the art of bullion needlework executed in silvery 

gold metal threads, wrapped over yellow silk, couched down over stump padding in a three dimensional, 

virtuoso display of textures and patterns and worked in multiple directions to catch 

the light - sparkle and gleam in a gloomy, candle-lit church.

Subsequently rescued from its original backing, the embroidery has been skilfully re-stitched

onto the antique silk velvet - the edges carefully delineated with twisted,

matching bullion cords. Finished on each side with 18th century

twisted bullion gold fringes.

Overall, in wonderful condition with no holes, tears or repairs.

Some old marks on the velvet back panel.

The inside pad is densely stuffed with feather & down. Consequently it is quite heavy.

Approximate Dimensions: Length 50cm (19¾") x Height 36cm (14")

The photographs constitute part of the description.

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