Tapestry is a textile art in which cloths are woven with colorful and rich designs or scenes, and these are used as wall hangings or furniture covers. Mythological and religious images, hunting scenes and floral designs are common subjects for weaving.
The art of tapestry existed much before 1500 BC and showed its prevalence in various places including Egypt. During the Hellenistic period of Greek civilization, the art of tapestry reached glorious heights. A few examples of Greek tapestry believed to be of the 2nd or 3rd BC are conserved in the desert of Tarim Basin, the largest basin in the world.
From the beginning of the 14th century, there was large scale production of tapestry in Germany and Switzerland. Later it spread its wings to France and Netherlands, and turned Arras, a small town in France, into a growing textile town. Unfortunately, this didn’t last long due to the outbreak of the French Revolution, which destroyed hundreds of unique tapestries and devastated Arras.
The 16th century saw Flanders, in north Belgium, become the center of European tapestry production. By the 18th century, the rococo and classical styles of weaving took its place. Over the years, tapestry became a major form of textile art across the world.
Tapestry weaving requires a lot of commitment and talent. A colored image is created on a cloth by using the chain thread and striking thread. The chain thread is mainly of linen or wool, while the striking thread is of silk, wool, gold or silver. These threads can also be made from other common textile materials in a wide variety of colors.
Various other products of tapestry include Jacquard looms, drapery stuffs, and carpets. There are a number of museums which hold a wide variety of antique tapestries. The Metropolitan Museum in the United States holds fine samples of tapestry.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
Tapestry Wall Hangings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Tapestry wall hangings are beautiful artwork on cloth that is used to decorate walls. There are thousands of tapestry wall hangings available in a wide range of designs, colors and shapes. All of them are quite intricate in design and attractive to the eyes. Since...
-
Tapestry Fabric
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Tapestry fabric is produced by a plain weave technique, which creates complex, beautiful designs which resemble original tapestry. Tapestry fabric is ideal for slip covers, valences, pillows and upholstery. The designs of a tapestry fabric vary from floral to geometric patterns woven from any of...
-
Wall Tapestry
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Once famed as the queen of arts, wall tapestry is a wonderful artistic achievement available in a wide range of colors and designs. Wall tapestry is characterized by a fine texture which is rarely found in other art forms. In the early days, people used...
-
Carpets
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
A carpet is any loom-woven, felted textile or synthetic fabric floor covering. Earlier, table and wall coverings were also called carpets, as it was uncommon to use them on the floor in European interiors until the 18th century. The carpet probably traces its roots to...
-
An Introduction to Down Comforters
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Down comforters are one of the more popular ways of staying warm when the chill of winter fills the air. Made from duck or goose down, they are available in a wide range of prices, depending on the type of down and the surrounding material,...
-
Domestic Sewing Machines
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Sewing machine is a mechanical or electromechanical machine used to join fabrics using thread. It can create a wide variety of plain or patterned stitches. Sewing machines were introduced in the 1800s; it is one of the most important discoveries in the textile industry. Of...
-
Down Comforters
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Down comforters are made with different types of filling. Basically, they are filled either completely with down (the fine soft plumage of birds under the feathers) or a mixture of down and feathers. White goosedown comforters are the best as well as the most expensive....
-
Benefits of Various Duvet Cover Materials
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
There are several different types of duvet cover materials. Each material has unique strengths and advantages. Three of the most popular duvet cover materials are cotton, silk, and satin. All three of these materials are high-quality and long-lasting. Consumers must choose which material is right...
-
Antique Area Rugs
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
What are the advantages of antique area rugs over modern rugs? Antique area rugs provide your room with unique colors and patterns that fit any style or decor in your house. You may use antique rugs as accent pieces in your living area, porch or...
-
Ottomans
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Ottomans are decorative furniture pieces that are used for seating, lying down, storage and giving a gorgeous look to your living room. Ottomans are common in countries like the United States and European countries, but they are seldom found in the third world countries. Quite...