A beautiful pair of tapestry fragments, hand-woven in Flanders (now Belgium), circa 1580. At roughly 132 inches (11 feet) long, the fragments were, originally, vertical borders to a very large and brightly colored tapestry. The colors have maintained their vibrancy over the last 400+ years, with deep blue, brown, green, and red accents over a gold and cream background.

Although the fragments do not have identical scenes, it is readily apparent that they originated from the same source. At the top of each fragment is a bearded warrior clad in golden armor with a flowing blue cape and green greaves. A shield rests on the ground, supported by the soldier’s left hand, while his right hand lifts a spear into the air. Towards the center of the textile is a pair of musicians, one strumming a lute, while the other plucks a lyre. At the bottom of each tapestry is a single female figure, well-dressed and sitting on a bench with one arm overhead. The remaining areas have been filled with fruit bouquets, architectural elements, and other figurative representations. A more recent navy blue border surrounds the scenes and the backs have been lined with a mauve colored linen.

Our hand-woven tapestry borders would make fantastic textile art for any wall in the house. At eleven feet tall and in very good condition, these antiques tapestries would work well in a grand staircase or used to frame another piece of art. They could also be used as table runners or as decorative window treatments.

CONDITION: Very good antique condition. Minor wear and separations, commensurate with age. The linen backing and the borders on the front were added more recently. Please note the dimensions, as there is a slight variance in the height of the tapestries.