Rabbits in lotus vine – handwoven Persian silk brocade, blue

Product description

This historical reproduction is based on a 14th century textile most likely produced in the Persian Empire in the vicinity of modern-day Iraq or Iran. Our version of this medieval brocade is pure silk in a satin weave with genuine metallic threads, just like the original.

Pattern

The pattern, arranged in ovals with pointed ends, clearly has Persian origins, while the two facing hares indicate a Chinese influence.

The hare or rabbit was not a common motif in medieval textile design. The symbol most likely came to Persia from China along the Silk Route. At the time this fabric was designed, the hare would likely have been understood as a signifier of immortality and a herald of good fortune and prosperity. The depth of symbolic meaning assigned to this unassuming creature may surprise you. To learn more, have a look at the Hare entry in our online bestiary.

See the original

Fragments of the original textile are held at a number of museums. In France it can be found at the Musée de Cluny and in America at the Cleveland Museum of Art or the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, in New York.

The fabric

This historical brocade reproduction is woven by hand on a Jacquard loom in pure silk with genuine metallic threads coated in real gold. This combination of premium materials makes this brocade sturdy but soft, gentle to the touch, and breathable. The gold thread will not tarnish or lose its shine.

Where to use it

Reproductions of period brocades such as this are perfect for sewing historical costumes and also bring something special to modern interiors or contemporary fashions.

Tip

This brocade has loose threads on the back. We recommend lining it with a natural material such as silk or fine linen. For added stiffness, try backing with silk organza or crepeline.

Handmade, artisan, fair

This brocade is unique for its artisan origin. It is woven by hand at a rate of only about half a meter per day (20 inches) and comes from a loom specifically adapted for Sartor’s requirements. We skip all the intermediaries and source directly at the village level. That’s how we can assure that the full price we pay goes directly to the artisan families that actually worked on this fabric (spinners, weavers, dyers) and to no one else.

The beauty of imperfection

Because this fabric is hand woven and hand designed, there may be slight irregularities in the weave. These tiny imperfections should not be viewed as defects, but rather as a natural feature of hand crafting.

Caring for brocade

We recommend dry cleaning this fabric at a reliable dry cleaner. In our test of how to wash silk this fabric stood up to gentle hand washing. If you risk hand washing, use lukewarm water and a delicate detergent for woolens; do not wring or squeeze dry; block dry on a flat surface. Dry iron on the back on the lowest setting.

Using this pattern

Bringing a historical pattern back to life is demanding, time-consuming work that involves researching historical sources and can sometimes require filling in missing pieces of the design in a manner that meets strict criteria for authenticity.

The author of this historical pattern reproduction and owner of intellectual property rights is Sartor Bohemia. Please respect that fact.

You may use this fabric to produce whatever your heart desires, whether for personal or commercial use. The fabric pattern, however, may not be reproduced in any manner without our express written permission.