1. A fine Antique Russian ikat jacket in natural silk, geometric motif with beaded trim. Silk and cotton lining, Uzbekistan, Russia, 1890. [Alexander’s Antiques: Gallery 43/212.935.9386]
It’s Textile Tuesday in the online art world. We’re celebrating with 10 exemplary antique textiles and tapestries recently added to our website. Textiles, which are defined as “yarns woven or knitted to make fabric,” likely dates as far back as 100,000 years ago to the felt textiles created by Stone Age peoples. The cotton, silk, and linen textiles we know today first began to appear in India, Egypt, and China around 5000 B.C. Since then, diverse peoples in every corner of the world have employed various styles of textiles to adorn themselves and their homes. The basic techniques of weaving, however, have remained relatively the same over time, so when you look upon an antique ikat jacket or an Aubusson tapestry, you’re looking at a tradition that has been passed down through centuries, a crucial way for people to express their cultures and relationship to the world.
2. Verdure Tapestry Pillow. 18th century Aubusson tapestry fragment/pillow. Wool and silk, France, 1750. [Les Looms: Gallery 59/212.752.0995]
3. Antique Chinese Silk and Cotton Wall Hanging. With floral motif. Silk, China, 1880. [Alexander’s Antiques: Gallery 43/212.935.9386]
4. Antique Kashmere Paisley Hand Woven Shawl. A fine antique rectangular hand-woven paisley shawl with small black medallion in the center. Kashmir wool, 1850, India. [Alexander’s Antiques: Gallery 43/212.935.9386]
5. Aubusson Tapestry Pillow. 18th century Aubusson tapestry fragment / pillow. Wool and silk, France, 1750. [Les Looms: Gallery 59/212.752.0995]
6. Antique Russian Silk Ikat Wall Hanging. Silk with cotton lining, Uzbekistan, Russia, 1880. [Alexander’s Antiques: Gallery 43/212.935.9386]
7. Framed 18th Century Tapestry Picture. Original 18th century French tapestry depicting a hunter in the wilderness. Wool and silk, France, 1860. [Les Looms: Gallery 59/212.752.0995]
8. Long, Narrow Antique Russian Silk Ikat. Silk, Russia, 1880’s. [Alexander’s Antiques: Gallery 43/212.935.9386]
9. An Unusual Antique Silk and Cotton Russian Ikat Jacket. Very rare colors, cotton lining and beaded trim. Silk and cotton, Uzbekistan, Russia, 1860. [Alexander’s Antiques: Gallery 43/212.935.9386]
10. 18th century French Brocade. 18th century brocade, silk, France, 1780. [Les Looms: Gallery 59/212.752.0995]
