Caption

Fabric fragment, patterned silk brocaded with gold Cypriot thread on pale pink ground. The brocaded design forms a net of silhouettes of fantastic animals entwined with chains and ribbons. Among five animal types are identifiable dogs, winged dragons, and ambiguous beasts with the head of a donkey and the body of a snake. Motifs draw on ancient Far Eastern decorative art and medieval bestiaries; animal symbolism derives from ancient/tribal sources and zoological bestiaries physiologi and intersects with Christian symbolism. 14th century, Italy. Height 29 cm, width 84 cm., A textured fabric surface with an overall pattern of stylized birdlike figures and flowing ornamental shapes, rendered in shades of tan, beige, brown, and gold, showing raised areas and recessed stripes that create a subtle contrast between matte and slightly shiny threads, with repeating wing, tail, and crest motifs intertwined across the surface.

Credit line

Photo12/Liszt Collection

Reference

LZT26A11_207

License type

Rights managed

Available size

46.2Mb (5.5Mb) / 10.8in x 16.6in / 3232 x 4992 (300dpi)

Keywords

Fabric fragment patterned silk brocaded gold Cypriot thread pale pink ground brocaded design forms net silhouettes fantastic animals entwined chains ribbons five animal types identifiable dogs winged dragons ambiguous beasts head donkey body snake Motifs draw ancient Far Eastern decorative art medieval bestiaries animal symbolism derives ancient tribal sources zoological bestiaries physiologi intersects Christian symbolism 14th century Italy Height 29 cm width 84 cm textured fabric surface pattern stylized birdlike figures flowing ornamental shapes rendered shades tan beige brown gold showing raised areas recessed stripes create subtle contrast matte slightly shiny threads repeating wing tail crest motifs intertwined across surface.