Magnificent Antique 19th Century French Stumpwork Embroidery Bejeweled Ecclesiastic Chasuble

SOLD An extraordinary example, it is embellished with glass stones, gilt and silver stumpwork embroidery and gilded brass cabochons. It originates from Normandy and dates circa 1860.The gold fabric is interwoven with gilt metallic threads which gives a shimmering radiance. The metallic threads give the fabric a thick and substantial texture. The front has a wide panel which is adorned with stumpwork embroidery (cotton padding cut into specific shapes is placed on the garment first, with the embroidery encompassing the padding, resulting in a raised ornamentation). Yellow and blue silk threads serve create leaves and backgrounds. Gilt metallic threads form Maltese crosses. Violet chenille threads are sewn in curling vines. Brass cabochons accent tendrils of the vines. Three fine bezel set ruby glass stones are at the center of each gilt cross. Gilt studs and silver cabochon embellish the red borders and gilt metallic flowers.The back panel repeats the embroidery work of the front in the