Piece 1872 - 1886

This fabric piece, by Dumont, showcases lush, stylized peonies in varying shades of red and pink, intertwined with delicate foliage. The peony, deeply cherished in Eastern art and culture, traditionally symbolizes wealth, honor, and love. But its story does not end there; consider how it has traversed across continents, appearing in Western art, losing its direct associations, yet retaining an aura of opulence. These flowers, seemingly benign, stir something within us, a collective memory perhaps. The recurring image of the flower, whether in ancient Greece or here, taps into a primeval understanding, an expression of life’s beauty and fragility. This Dumont fabric reminds us that these symbols continue their journey, evolving yet eternally present.