Tassel
Unknown Artist
17th century
Medium
Linen
Dimensions
L. 1 3/4 inches 4.4 cm
Classification
Textiles-Trimmings
Culture
Italian
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. J. Pierpont Morgan, 1921
Accession Number
21.83.13
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Sculpture and Decorative Arts, this delicate linen tassel from 17th-century Italy exemplifies exquisite craftsmanship of Renaissance-era textiles. Measuring just 1 3/4 inches (4.4 cm) in length it belongs to the category of "Textiles-Trimmings," small yet intricate embellishments designed to add elegance and flourish. Crafted by an unknown artist its fine linen threads were likely knotted and looped through meticulous needlework techniques, showcasing the technical skill of Italian artisans during a period when decorative details elevated everyday lu...