A Collection of 15-17th century Italian Weavings by Various artists

A Collection of 15-17th century Italian Weavings by Various artists, 1) 1400–1700; 2) 1736–1795; 3) 1770–1830

© V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum)

Details

Medium:

Silk

Acquired in:

1916

Presented by:

W B Chamberlin through The Art Fund

These 'towels' were used in both ecclesiastical and secular contexts. Their function included napkin and table cover, as well as altar cloth and sacristy hand towel. 2) 2 Chinese silk tapestries from the period of the emperor Chi'en-lung (1736-95). The design shows lions sporting among rocks of a conventional landscape; 3) A Japanese Buddhist priest vestment (kesa) of brocade, woven in silk and gilt paperstrips, dates from late 17th or early 18th century. The vestment is made up of 48 pieces.