Leopard Embroidery

The
Leopard Tapestry
England, first third of the 
14th century 
Silk, silver thread 
with gold, 
cabochons, pearls
H. 0.51 m ; W. 1.24 m
Acq. 1922; CL 20367

The Leopard piece is made of velvet embroidered in gold thread and multicoloured silk depicting the leopards of England as gallant characters playing amongst the vines. The refined style and astonishing technique make it possible to attribute the piece to an English workshop of the first third of the 14th century. Remade into a chasuble in the 18th century, it might originally have been a horse blanket made for Edward III, king of England (1327-1377).