Fringe

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative collection, this delicate *Fringe* from 19th-century Britain showcases the artistry of everyday embellishment. Crafted by an unknown artist using cotton and metal threads, this textile trimming measures just 5¾ x 1¾ inches (14.6 x 4.4 cm). The combination of humble cotton with shimmering metal threads creates a luxurious texture, likely designed to adorn garments, upholstery, or curtains, adding a touch of opulence to Victorian interiors and attire. In the bustling era of Britain's Industrial Revolution, such trimmi...