Cushion
Medium
Silk, satin weave, embroidered with silk and gold-leaf-over-lacquered-paper-strip wrapped silk in back, Chinese knot, herringbone, satin, single satin, split, and stem stitches; laidwork and couching
Dimensions
75.9 × 69.9 × 17.4 cm (29 7/8 × 27 1/2 × 6 7/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
183465
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Cushion* from Art Institute of Chicago's collection showcases the pinnacle of ornamental embroidery, crafted from silk in a lustrous satin weave. Measuring nearly 30 by 27 inches and standing 7 inches thick, its substantial form suggests it served as a luxurious seat cushion or bolster, likely for elite furnishings in a domestic or ceremonial setting. The unknown artist employed an array of sophisticated threads, including silk and opulent gold-leaf-over-lquered-paper-strip wrapped silk transforming the fabric into a shimmering masterpiece. The embroidery bursts with technical...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...