Gold-patterned Silk with Falcons and Heraldry, 1360-1400. Instead of international designs, this splendid gold-thread patterned silk displays a mixture of heraldic and falconry emblems. Pairs of falcons stand on a main d’aigle, a heraldic charge consisting of a bird’s wing and claw. They alternate with a panache, or plumes, from an ostrich with an ornamental interlacement at its base. Traditionally panaches were helmet or hat ornaments, but here is a heraldic crest. Although European motifs form the pattern, the dramatic energy of asymmetrical Chinese design persists.

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Size: 4681px × 7194px
Photo credit: © Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 14th, art, century, cleveland, combination, gold, heritage, italy, lampas, museum, silk, textile, thread, unknown, weaves