"Perugia" tablecloth fragment

This tablecloth fragment is representative of textile production that originated in central Italy in the 13th century, possibly in Perugia. It is white linen with plain blue stripes or stylised motifs at the ends. Used in northern Italy and southern Germany for domestic or liturgical purposes, these "tablecloths" or napkins are often represented in Italian paintings of the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. The tablecloth fragment at the Musée de Cluny has the additional interest of presenting a rare pattern of unicorns facing each other, alternating with trees of life.