A beautiful pair of tapestry fragments, hand-woven in Brussels during the 1500s. At roughly 99 inches (over 8 feet) long, the fragments were, originally, vertical borders to a large and brightly colored period Renaissance tapestry. Some areas have suffered from discoloration and loss of color over the last 400+ years, however, most of the silk threads have endured, as noticed by the rich bluish-green leaves emanating from the overflowing vases above and below the central pastoral scenes.

Each border depicts a different scene of a mountainside village with citizens clad in vibrant red, blue, and golden hues.  A pair of brown animals can be seen in the lower corners of each illustration, above cherubs pulling back drapery to reveal a dog hunting a fiery orange bird.  Additional beings can be seen throughout the tapestry, such as a centaur supporting the bottom vase, flanked by a pair of soldiers with daggers drawn, horn-blowing maidens, birds, and mythical creatures.  Perhaps the most noticeable figures are those at the top of each border, depicting a different hunter, one with a bow and arrow, and the other with a spear.  While the borders do not have identical illustrations, it is readily apparent that they originated from the same tapestry.  Our hand-woven silk tapestry borders would make fantastic textile art for any wall in the house.  They could be presented in a grand staircase or used to frame another piece of art.  Additionally, they would make a unique set of table runners or decorative window treatments.

CONDITION: Good antique condition.  Some areas of discoloration or loss of color.  Old restoration work.  Very light fraying to the ends.