Italian Velvet with Pomegranate, silk blend, green and gold

Product description

Origin & Pattern

The pomegranates on this green renaissance velvet are framed by wreaths of flowers and leaves, which are creating a symmetric pattern typical for textiles from the 15th century – pomegranates growing from golden stems and blossoms.

Pomegranate was first seen in decorative textiles of Orient and Byzantium, later it was taken over by the Italian designers. In general it was considered as a symbol of power, but also life and fertility – which is maybe why it became one of the most important symbols of renaissance (from the French word meaning "rebirth"). A large repeat of the pattern was in itself an indication of expense.

Nowadays there is a dalmatic from this originally red velvet on display in the Brandenburg Cathedral near to Berlin. But there are also other fragments of the same textile in Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. And at last it is worth mentioning that a very similar green velvet is shown in one of the paintings of Carlo Crivelli.

Fabric

This reproduction of historical velvet is made of two very fine, soft materials – the base is silk and the pile rayon. Areas without pile form a design, revealing the sheer silk underneath. The fabric is soft and breathable, with a gorgeous drape, and reflects the light beautifully.

Application

Reproductions of period textiles such as this are perfect for sewing historical costumes and also bring something special to modern interiors or contemporary fashions.

If you do not want the voided areas to be too translucent, you might use a light lining.

Care

For voided silk velvet we recommend dry cleaning at a reliable dry cleaner. Laundering will cause the plush to tangle and break. If you iron velvet, never do so on a hard surface; it is better to hang and steam from the back.