Product description
Origin & Pattern
Persian and Mesopotamian silk industry adopted many elements from the old Iranian and old Oriental tradition. Often we can see e. g. the hunters of lions or tableaus from animal fights or hunts. After the Islamization of Persia, the local weavers used the original Sasanian motives, at least at the beginning, what is demonstrated by the patterns of the textiles.
On the crimson colored background there are gold colored repeating roundels. In each roundel is a pair of confronted winged lions with goat-headed tails. Above them is a pair of confronted eagles. Roundels are decorated with small circles which contain various animals - a peacock, a winged lion, and an eagle. Around them are flying birds and growing palmettes.
The original of this textile is now on display at the Victoria and Albert museum in London.
Fabric
Like brocade, damask is a fabric where the pattern is woven in. The technique, known as early as the Middle Ages, relies on the visual contrast of different weaves. The fabric is densely woven of fine 100% silk threads, making a high level of detail possible. Damask is smooth, with a slight sheen, soft to the touch and breathable.
Application
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 damask we recommend using a silk lining, such as habotai.
Care
We recommend dry cleaning this fabric at a reliable dry cleaner. In our tests of 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.
