This large tapestry square contains four roundels, each with an identical hybrid animal inside. These creatures appear to be half lion and half fish, or possibly hippocamps. Between the medallions are areas of decorative hatching composed of light and dark fibers. The tails and small fins on these creatures' tails are executed in yarn of a faded red color. Red bands also divide the front halves of the creatures from their fish tails and may indicate harnesses. Circles of this faded red color also appear in each area of hatching. Several small plant forms appear around the animals' legs and dark dots over their backs and heads.
27.9 x 29.2 cm (11 x 11 1/2 in.)
Warps: undyed white wool. Wefts: variable, including outlining wefts, eccentric wefts. Weft colors: light red, dark red, red-brown, purple (made of red and blue), light blue (abrashed), green, dark olive green, dark blue. Whites are wool and cotton combined. The rest are wool.
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18th-19th centuryItalianTextile fibers
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Chinese