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.)
Silk and metallic yarns filé
16th centuryEuropeanFiber
FrenchTextile fibers
17th-18th centuryGerman?Voided velvet with moire silk
19th-20th centuryEuropean?Wool and linen
4th-5th century CEByzantineTextile fibers
20th centuryAmericanBook of swatches mounted on paper (56 sheets)
19th-20th centuryJapaneseSilk; twill fabric with alternate polychrome striping (yellow, pale green, brown, white) and twill-on-twill damask checkering
13th centuryJapaneseSilk embroidery on red velvet
Fiber
Japanese