Pair Original 18th C French Silk Woven Tapestry Pieces Possibly Beauvais / Aubusson - Gorgeous Antique Textile Start Price GBP 75.00 Current Price GBP 75.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, September 04, 2008 End Time Sunday, September 14, 2008 Location Market Rasen See more about 'Pair Original 18th C French Silk Woven Tapestry Pieces' Description This is a rare thing to find! A pair of 18th century French tapestry pieces, from a Chateau, which have been salon seat backs. They have been removed some time ago, as they are very worn at the top, so could only be used for either antique fragment cushion fronts or framed. They are of a quality, despite the wear and deterioration, and are original. The back of each shows the picture in reverse with the different colour loose end threads where the section finishes, a sure sign of early tapestry which has been hand loomed - unlike a machine looming which has no loose end threads. I would guess that the design, quality of weaving and colours suggest perhaps they came from Beauvais or Aubusson, pre-French Revolution when they were at the height of success. All the fine houses and French royalty would order sets of tapestries for their rooms. The weaving on these pieces is very tight and neat. I am fairly sure the background is of strong twisted silk with fine wool on the design itself, the warp threads being cotton/ linen twine, like string. These are a pair, which are mirrored. The subject is delightful and pastoral; the man is sending a dove to the lady, who receives it and, if you look carefully in the picture of the lady you can see the little folded message she has taken from the man, maybe her beau?! As you can see, the colour on the background is salmon pink, the remaining colours are very much as you see. The condition is poor at the top, but the man and the lady both are intact enough to frame, for example. The dimensions are: Overall 23" wide (58cm) by 24" top to bottom (60 cm) Internal design within circular wreath is 18" (45 cm) by 19" (48 cm) Absolutely lovely and a brilliant opportunity to own a fabulous antique textile! Place a Bid!