Tassel

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, this delicate silk tassel from 18th-century France exemplifies exquisite craftsmanship of the Rococo era. Measuring just 3 inches (.6 cm) in length, it was crafted as a textile trimming—likely for adorning garments, upholstery, or furnishings. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1908, this small artifact whispers of the opulent world of French luxury goods, where silk was prized for its luster and versatility. In the lavish courts of Louis XV, tassels like this were symbols of refinement and status. French wea...