Architectural Inspired Silk Brocade

Bizarre silks didn’t receive their name until the 20th century, but the trend originated in France in the late 17th century. Fantastical images and Chinoiserie influences were mixed with realism and florals to create designs that often weren’t symmetrical and had no direction. These textiles began to show more depth and complexity, and were popular into the mid-18th century.

This piece was made a bit after most bizarre silks around the 1730s. The creator used the same motifs, but with some architectural elements and florals. It is made up of four panels sewn together.