Antique Hand Painted Silk Velvet

[pomparella]

Does anyone have any links or resources re: the hand painting of silk velvet for bedspreads in Italy. I rescued a wounded example and have turned it into boudoir cushions for sale but I want to research to be sure of its age and that it is what I believe it to be. I have already tested and confirmed its silk. I am struggling to find more than 1 example online or info. The pattern doesn't feel woven, its not printed and there were some areas with, what look like, light colour runs....I'll try and upload a photo. All input gratefully received. Thank you.

 

[Distantdetails]

You have converted that into the most beautiful pillows!! They look so luxurious.

I'm afraid I can't help, but I hope that somebody comes along to provide some insight.

Lovely.

 

[denisebrain]

Could it have been stenciled, or does it appear free-painted?

 

[pomparella]

Could it have been stenciled, or does it appear free-painted?

Good question. I think if it had been stencilled, there would be more uniformity between the same shapes - unless of course the stencil has been designed that way....

 

[pomparella]

You have converted that into the most beautiful pillows!! They look so luxurious.

I'm afraid I can't help, but I hope that somebody comes along to provide some insight.

Lovely.

Thank you Janine. They are gorgeous and I'm struggling not to just keep them!

 

[denisebrain]

I was thinking of theorem stenciling: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theorem_stencil Is there more than one of any complete figure?

 

[pomparella]

Yes, there are. There was a central panel to the bedspread but the outer edge and corners show repetition. I've just read about theorem stencilling and it could well be an example of this...

 

[pomparella]

I've

found an original photos of the piece when it was whole.

 

[denisebrain]

Yes, I can see this being stenciled. As to the time period, my first thought is early 20th century, but that is just a semi-informed guess. Do you have an era in mind?

 

[pomparella]

It initially had a 20s feel to me but the scrolled stylised 'bouquets' made me think its probably late 19th/turn of the century? The fringing on the 20s bedspreads seemed to be mainly from a fluffy velvet chenille where as this was long and twisted like a rats tail! Many thank btw

 

[denisebrain]

It is a pleasure to look at this!

I wish I could point you to a source for more info, but I'm coming up short myself.

 

[pomparella]

I appreciate your input, thank you. I'm conscious that I don't want to mis or under represent the fabric when describing the pillows.

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Can you show the reverse side, please? My initial thought was also stenciled panne' velvet. I think early 20th century on this one.

 

[pomparella]

Hi there, this is the only photo I have of part of the reverse side.