Fringe

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection, this delicate silk fringe from early 19th-century Britain exemplifies the refined artistry of textile trimmings. Measuring just 7 by 5 inches (17.8 x 12.7 cm), its compact form belies its role as a luxurious embellishment, likely adorning garments, upholstery, or drapery in fashionable homes or wardrobes of the Regency era. Crafted from sumptuous silk—a material prized for its luster and drape—this fringe showcases the skilled weaving techniques of British textile makers during a time of burgeoning ...