Victorian Velvet Parlour Table Cover With Hand Tied Fringe

 

I'm a Victorian era textile freak. If it's velvet and it has hand tied fringe or tassels, my knees go weak. This wonderful old thing was spotted at an estate sale all balled up and shoved under a table.

I should definitely know better by now but I almost didn't ask about it.  I could tell just by glancing at it that it wasn't your typical turn or the century (through the 20s) hand dyed velvet. Y'know what I'm talking about.  The ones that are most commonly rectangular in shape. They're often table runner in size unlike this which is pretty massive. It also has hand tied tassels on all sides. I was almost positive that it's asking price would be astronomical.

It wasn't!

I'm guesstimating that this table cover one is from turn of the century or older. Without any type of label or the discovery of any type of identification, I can't be sure.  I'm always learning, aways seeking.  It may be more recent (Arts & Craft period) but for now I'm going with my gut on this beauty.

Love the subdued and mottled colors, just the hint remaining of pale peach colored flowers here and there. 

Damage is minor and not really visible from the front. However,  there is an embellishment in the center, a large embroidered rose, that appears to have been wet at oen time.  I can just detect a hint of color that has run, barely.  It also looks as if one of the corners may have seen a bit of drama over the last 100 years or so.  Give or take a few.

    

Take a good look at the close up below. I've found that the older the velvet, the more stiff or brittle it seems to be.  Eventually the fibers start to gently fall off. I iamgine that this is partially  which why so many Victorian era (velvet) items are found with "bald" spots. This stiffness may also be furtther confirmation that it was indeed, wet once upon a time.

This lovely textile was discovered with several brass rings attached to one edge.  I'm guessing again that it was hung up at one time like a portiere.  But because of it's massive size and squareness in nature, I can't image where. Later when I have time maybe I'll close my eyeballs and try to imagine myself in the midst of a beautiful high ceilened. Hmmmm. Where would I........