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This lovely textile is an antique, most likely French ( I found it in France) embroidery, magnificent and rare. I date this to the 17th century , ( 1650 ish ) ~ however it's possible that it's 18th century, very early. ( any embroidery specialist want to chime in ? Please do! xx ) This one in the collection uses purple ~ ( please see history of purple in embroidery below) This piece is a chainstitched piece worked in silk and metallic thread on a very very finely woven linen ground. This piece is the most saturated in tones ~ the back shows most clearly the artists use of color, however colors can often be fugitive with time ~ Examining this piece closely, I can still see the lines that were drawn out before embroidering! These are the tiny details that I adore hunting for with antique textiles, they tell a story if we listen! ~*~ This piece was cut out of a larger textile, perhaps someone was going to use it as a slip and applique to another textile ~ I wish so much I knew! ~*~ A textile treasure ~ a museum worthy embroidery ( I found others with this piece, to view the others simply search my store for the word chainstitch ~

MEASUREMENTS : This lovely textile measures approximately 9 inches from tip to tip and about 6.5 inches wide ~

CONDITION: This wonderful fabric is in as found, unwashed condition ( of course! :) Please use the zoom feature on the photographs for the exact condition ~
Inventory trim 4206

*In the 17th century, embroidery experienced a notable surge in popularity, with chain stitch being a prevalent technique of the time. This intricate form of needlework involved creating a series of looped stitches linked together, resulting in a continuous and fluid chain-like pattern. Chain stitch embroidery was widely used to embellish various textiles, including garments, accessories, and household items. The 17th-century artisans showcased their skill and creativity through delicate and ornate designs, often incorporating floral motifs, geometric patterns, and intricate borders. This period marked a flourishing of embroidery as an art form, with chain stitch playing a central role in the creation of exquisite and finely detailed textiles that reflected the aesthetics and craftsmanship of the era.

In the 17th century, the use of purple in embroidery was a symbol of wealth, luxury, and status. Purple dye was historically one of the most expensive and difficult to produce, making it a color associated with royalty and the upper echelons of society. The richness of purple made it highly sought after for decorative arts, including embroidery.

PURPLE in the 17th century ~ During this period, the primary source of purple dye was the murex shellfish, specifically the species known as Murex brandaris and Murex trunculus. Extracting the purple dye from these shells was a labor-intensive process, contributing to its high cost. The Phoenicians were among the first to master the art of purple dye production, and they kept the methods as closely guarded secrets.

In the 17th century, European courts and aristocracy embraced the use of purple in various forms of art and fashion, including embroidery on clothing, textiles, and tapestries. The deep, regal hue of purple added a touch of opulence to garments and accessories, signifying the wearer's social status and affluence.