Silk fabrics featuring geometrical shapes and stylized leaves and flowers in bold colors were popular in Europe in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. These strong designs were influenced by a wave of Asian textiles and decorative objects reaching the European market in those decades. Although silver in appearance, the metallic threads are actually white gold, an alloy of gold and at least one white metal, usually nickel, manganese or palladium. Otherwise, if silver, they would appear black from tarnish.
Silk brocade with metallic threads
26 1/2 x 21 1/2 in. (67.31 x 54.61 cm)
Gift of friends in memory of Ada Haslam
70.72
Not currently on view
Resources
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Going For Gold, November 3, 2012 - December 8, 2013
Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.
