Tassel

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Sculpture and Decorative Arts, this elegant silk tassel from 19th-century France the exquisite craftsmanship of the era's textile trimmings. Measuring just 7 3/4 inches (19.7 cm) in, its delicate form—crafted from lustrous silk—would have adorned furnishings, garments, or military uniforms, adding a touch of opulent flourish to everyday luxury. France's 19th century was a golden age for silk production, centered in Lyon, where weavers mastered intricate techniques like braiding and knotting to create passementerie, or decorative trimmings. Tassels l...