Piece
Unknown Artist
18th–19th century
Medium
Silk and metal thread
Dimensions
L. 5 1/4 x W. 4 1/2 inches (13.3 x 11.4 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Woven
Culture
Russian or French
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of The United Piece Dye Works, 1936
Accession Number
36.90.1083
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite textile fragment, titled simply *Piece*, hails from the 18th or 19th century and exemplifies the opulent craftsmanship of either Russian or French decorative arts. Woven from luxurious silk and shimmering metal threads, it measures just 5¼ x 4½ inches (13.3 x 11.4 cm), suggesting it may be a remnant from a larger garment, furnishing, or ecclesiastical textile. Floral motifs, as indicated by its tags, bloom across its surface, a timeless motif symbolizing beauty and abundance in European design traditions. The use of silk and metal threads points to advanced weaving techniques, ...