There is one long length of this glorious silk brocade and four other pieces, probably from the same very long sash, but both ends are missing. Often these sashes were 350-400 cm long, but could be up to 517 cm. These pieces would make glorious cushions.
High quality woven Kontush sashes woven with silks and gold, were worn by Polish noblemen as part of their national dress during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. They originated from Persian sashes. They were always designed with slightly different colouring on the left and right hand side. Presumably the sash was worn to give a slight change to its look.
Horizontal rows of stylised flower heads woven in weft faced compound weave in mauve and pale blue alternating with coral and pale blue flowerheads and curling leaves, the two borders with not dissimilar flowers and leaves, between guard stripes of dark brown arrowheads, the ground worked in a gold wrapped silk.
6ft 8 in x 14 1/2; 2m x 37 - £750
4 pieces similar 20 x 14 1/2 in; 50 x 37 - £ 275 each
The edges are fraying but otherwise in very good state.
culture.pl/en/article/the-kontush-sash-polish-noblemens-best-fashion-statement
polishhistory.pl/precious-kontush-sashes-in-the-phm-collection/
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/219027
Reflections on the Polish Nobleman's Attire in the Sarmatian Tradition. George E Borchard. Costume, no. 4, 1970, pp. 13-22; Fig. 19, p. 21
Price: on request
Ref N°: 8800
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