Superb Antique French Aubusson Tapestry & Passementerie Throw Pillow, 18th Century Owl
Figural fragments of ancient tapestry are more and more rare to find, and I'm thrilled by this one, late 17th to early 18th century Aubusson, which features an owl and vegetation or verdure. Owls mate for life, are considered to represent loyalty as well as intelligence or knowledge, and it would be so interesting to see the large ancient wall covering tapestry from which this one was salvaged. Tapestries tell a story, most often. For us, for now, and in my home, he represents both knowledge and fidelity. Superb yarns used of wool and silk, and the centuries old warp into which the yarns were woven by Master artisans, one loop and colored spool at a time, remains strong and without much deterioration. I can see one small split here or there which one might want to take a few restorative stitches to, but not much. A rich royal blue silk velvet, also antique, flanks the tapestry fragment and backs it to help preserve the tapestry. A metallic thread antique French passementerie trim is us