Real silk or not? Know what you're buying
Names like “art silk” and “silky satin” are pretty, but do they mean natural silk? (Probably not.) Here’s how to know what you’re buying.
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Product code 103-16-0003
Luxury silk fabric inspired by a 10th–11th century Byzantine textile interred with the remains of the martyr Saint Julian. This gorgeous samite is ideal for creating authentic historical costumes, elegant interior accessories and timeless fashion pieces. This item is sold by the panel. Each panel measures 49 x 140 cm (19 x 55 inches) and corresponds to one row of medallions.
Read moreShade: | purple |
Style: | Byzantine |
Period: | 9. – 10. století |
Material: | 33% cotton, 67% silk |
Width (cm): | 140 cm |
Width (inches): | 55 ″ |
Weight (mm): | 44 mm |
Weight (gsm): | 192 gsm |
Weight (oz): | 5.7 oz |
Drape: | slightly supple |
Pattern size: | 47 cm |
Pattern size (vertical): | 49 cm |
Minimum order: | 1 pcs |
Care: | |
Brand: | Sartor Bohemia |
Availability: | limited edition |
Manufacturer / Supplier |
Manufacturer SARTOR BOHEMIA s.r.o. Cukrovarnicka 67, 16200 Prague, Czech republic info@sartorbohemia.com Sartor Bohemia |
in stock 180 pcs
Luxury silk fabric inspired by a 10th–11th century Byzantine textile interred with the remains of the martyr Saint Julian. This gorgeous samite is ideal for creating authentic historical costumes, elegant interior accessories and timeless fashion pieces.
Each panel measures 49 x 140 cm (19 x 55 inches). This dimension corresponds to one row of medallions.
A fragment of this brocade-like silk fabric, originally in imperial purple, was discovered in the tomb of Saint Julian in Rimini in Italy. As legend has it, a flood during the reign of Emperor Otto I washed a wooden chest up on the shores of Rimini not far from the Benedictine monastery of Saints Peter and Paul. Bishop John had the chest opened and inside were found the remains of St Julian, a 4th century martyr. In 1910, the chest was subjected to more detailed scientific inspection, which revealed the presence of two precious fabrics. One of them was this purple silk on which rested the skull of St Julian.
Byzantine textiles often incorporated iconography of Sassanian origin. This fabric features big roundels with prowling lions in profile, their gaze turned on the observer.
At the foot of each lion is the tree of life. The lion was a popular symbol for princes, counts, emirs and rulers of the ancient empires of the Near East and medieval Europe.
A similar textile was found in the tomb of Charlemagne, placed there by Emperor Otto III. The original fragment of silk from the tomb of Saint Julian upon which our pattern is based is now on display at the National Museum in Ravenna, Italy.
This pattern reconstruction is the intellectual property of SARTOR BOHEMIA.
Like brocade, samite is a fabric where the pattern is woven in. The technique has been known since the Middle Ages. Samite uses a twill weave, which makes it very sturdy. Our reproduction is of natural silk and cotton blend of superior quality, with a thicker silk thread that gives it a slightly pebbly surface. It is supple, with a soft hand, and breathes well.
Reproductions of period fabrics such as this are perfect for sewing historical costumes and also bring something special to modern interiors or contemporary fashions.
Under samite we recommend a lining of a natural material such as silk or fine linen.
We recommend dry cleaning this fabric at a reliable dry cleaner. In our tests how to wash silk this fabric stood up to gentle hand washing. If you risk hand washing, use lukewarm water and a delicate detergent for woolens; do not wring or squeeze dry; block dry on a flat surface. Dry iron on the back on the lowest setting.
Rarely! We produce reproductions of historical fabrics as limited editions. We want to guarantee a certain authenticity to all owners of historical costumes and decorations. We recommend that you buy these fabrics while they are in stock, as this is the only way to secure them for your project aside from custom ordering.
Limited editions are fabrics of exceptional quality or patterns that have been designed and produced exclusively under the Sartor brand. As a rule, they do not repeat and are therefore only available while supplies last. Don't miss your chance to own a true original.
The minimum fabric order is a length of 20 cm.
Of course! Historical patterns are characterized by high-quality aesthetic workmanship with an emphasis on elegance and harmony, which make them timeless works of art. They are suitable for modern interiors, where they bring an element of originality (try a picture, a pillow). In fashion, they excel in simple, even minimalist, garments, handbags and other accessories.
Yes. We ship worldwide. The price of shipping is automatically calculated at checkout before payment after you select the country of delivery and the preferred carrier. If you do not find your country in the dropdown list, please contact us. You will find a rough overview of shipping costs in our shipping and payment terms.
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Full articleWe reconstruct authentic patterns from historical textile fragments
Exclusively manufactured in limited runs
Faithful reproduction of patterns in authentic materials and colors
We personally select our fabrics and know exactly where they come from
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