~ This wonderful textile comes from a large,  19th century French bedding set ~ ( please see my other textiles for matching pieces) this stunning piece is a ciel de lit topper, and would have hung from a ciel de lit above the bed. This textile was nailed to the side of the wooden structure and the back is lined with antique homespun. The front is the lovely printed cotton ~  This piece dates c1880. The fabric is a heavy weight, cretonne weave ( thin warp, thick weft) cotton. GORGEOUS printed colors! This piece has a inky black ground with a green tint . Rather a charcoal green. The other colors include: brighter red, soft blue, browns ~ The backing is damaged ( please see photographs) and can be removed, however I like to keep the textiles as intact as possible . Fascinating !! ~ ~*~ This textile is 100% hand stitched ~ Lovely fringe trim!! ~*~ !!  ~*~ !  ~ ( I 55)