Piece 1855 - 1865

This piece was made by Bouvard, Burel et Cie, using silk, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. The material here is key: silk with supplementary weft floats, a technique involving extra threads woven in to create the pattern. Look closely and you'll see the texture created by this process, giving the floral design a raised, almost three-dimensional quality. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about showing off technical prowess. The complex weaving required specialized looms and skilled labor, reflecting the economics of the textile industry at the time. It represents a level of artistry and craft often overlooked when we consider "high art." So, next time you see a piece of decorative art like this, remember that it encapsulates a rich blend of material, making, and social context. It challenges us to rethink the boundaries between art and craft.