16th C Italian, Genoa, Cut Silk Velvet Hanging

Velvets were some of the most luxurious fabrics created but also laborious and costly. This being an Italian, Genoa, 16th century cut and voided two-colored silk velvet in red, a commonly used color and green, a rare color, pile on a natural tabby ground. An ogival design with stylized pomegranates, tulips and further foliage motifs, the tabby ground has been reworked thickly in silk threads, an unheard of feat and extremely time consuming. Pomegranates were only used on textiles from this time period for the wealthy and all motifs have a strong Turkish influence. A similar piece can be found in the book “Velvets East & West, from the 14th to the 20th century”. Mounted for hanging the frame has been wrapped in a silk tape and the velvet is padded.

Condition: There is rub/wear to the nap of the velvet but this is quite common for a fabric that’s over 400 years old. Two minor splits that I’ve chosen to leave alone since they don’t diminish the presence of the fabric.