Textile Fragment: Animals and Figures Around Vegetation

Description

A portion of a red tapestry woven square (tabula). The design is characterized by mirror symmetry. Animals and birds flank a large abstract, jeweled candelabra plant emerging from an urn. The plant’s eight geometric fronds are made up of interlocking color segments and terminate in small green leaves. These fronds are outlined in white, possibly in soumack stitch. Small tendrils branch off the main leaves of the plant, adding greater complexity to the design. Between the fronds, a stalk with jeweled bars rises up from the plant’s base. Above these is a pair of animals, possibly rabbits. Green geese wearing white ribbons sit among the plant’s upper foliage. Another pair of mammals sits in the mid-level foliage. Two riders are visible at the base of the plant. Behind their heads are green ducks. A brown border containing a gold vine scroll survives on two edges of the square. Many areas of lost wefts in the plants and figures. The square is sewn onto a plain linen backing fabric.