Embroidered originally as a marriage bedspread,

the rectangular linen ground embroidered with thousands of long flat slightly twisted cream silk filaments,

(the color of the background silk filaments shifting between cream and a warm almond

depending upon the direction, strength and color of the light)

the ground completely covered with horizonal 'slack stitches', perpendicularly 'couched' with silk threads for security;

the decoration in the Asian-influenced Jacobean manner, and outlined in gold 'chain-stitch',

representing the unbreakable chain of matrimony;

centering a fountain issuing from a vase, possibly an 'albadarra', an Arabic term for a vase with two handles,

and symbol of fertility likely inspired by the 'Tree of Life';

with two birds representing the newlyweds,

above two fishes with 'faces';
sided by two pairs of larger birds (parrots?) and within a field of various flora :

chrysanthemum representing the Man, roses the Woman

lilies for Virtue, tendrils for Friendship,

also possibly lotus representing Purity;

a pair of large cockerels at the top and bottom, each representing the Blessed Offspring,

within an outer border of conjoined further rosettes and flora;

trimmed in gold scroll-and-floral-woven edging,

the green silk backing later, with satin ribbon loops for hanging

The 'colcha' was used on the marriage night and some authors say that

afterward it was kept out of use, being saved for very special occasions.

Condition : Excellent; some light fading overall, but the reds, yellows and blues have retained a bright hue;

small expected losses and breaks to the threads in the center and on the corners; historic staining to the back

78" High, 49.6" Wide

PRICE : Please Inquire

#8097

From the end of the 16th century to the end of the 18th century,

there was a huge increase in the demand for one-colored or multicolored embroideries.

Castelo Branco, just north of the Spanish border, had - and still has -

its own unique style of embroidery.

And for many years in Castelo Branco -

a pretty town with orange tree lined streets and the protective walls of an ancient castle -

a group of women have sat in silence at their work benches,

the only sound breaking the tranquility being the "constant, hollow piercing of tautened canvas

by the embroidery needles held expertly in the women's hands

as they strive to protect another valuable aspect of their heritage".

These embroideries have long actually told a story, or were symbols of prestige and wealth.

The English are among the biggest buyers of this expensive art, because it is very labor-intensive,

due to the extreme thoroughness of the stitches.

"A quilt can take six months to finish, with six people working on it every day."

The largest collection of Castelo Branco coverlets or bedspreads resides in the V&A, London.

Queen Elizabeth II was presented with a quilt, the cathedral in Manchester, England,

decorated with panels representing the seasons.

Image : Creative Commons

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Fine Castelo Branco Silk Embroidery Colcha (Marriage Coverlet), Portugal, 18th Century  

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