2000
Bizarre Silks
An Exoticism from around 1700
7th May - 5th November 2000
daily 2 p.m. - 5.30 p.m.



Lampas, brocaded with gold and silver thread and coloured silk

Around 1700, these patterns were up to one metre high. In this example, the pattern extends across the whole width of the woven fabric.
Lyon or Venice, 1700-1705
Inv. No. 260



Damask, brocaded with silver thread and pink and yellow silk

An early small pattern with cloud shapes on the damask background creating a Chinese effect.
Probably Venice, around 1670
Inv. No. 3093


Satin, brocaded with gold and silver thread and coloured silk

Strange leaf forms and limited use of colour typify this large pattern.
Probably Venice, 1700-1705
Inv. No. 258



Damask, brocaded with gold and silver thread and coloured silk

Fanlike and conical forms are combined here with abstract plant forms.
Probably Lyon, around 1705
Inv. No. 1805


Damask, brocaded with gold and silver thread and coloured silk

After 1705 architectural forms and more realistic plants made their appearance.
Lyon or Venice, around 1708
Inv. No. 3023



Lampas, brocaded with gold and silver thread and coloured silk

From 1711 onwards, striped patterns were in fashion and fabrics became still more precious with the incorporation of more precious metal thread.
Probably Lyon, around 1711-1715
Inv. No. 3980


Damask, brocaded with gold thread and red and pink silk

After 1715, geometrical forms reminiscent of embroidery made their appearance in the decor, as here on the damask background.
Probably Lyon, around 1715-1720
Inv. No. 266a