Band (Italy), 16th–17th century (CH 18407103)

Cream-white border embroidered in gold with yellow, green, blue and white silk. The design shows a version of the Triumph of Cupid. The god, crowned and with arrows in one hand, stands in an enormous chariot drawn by a unicorn. At the rear, behind Cupid, appears a figure holding golden reins. An owl and eagle perch on the end of the chariot. The unicorn is ridden by a winged boy. The figures are worked in white silk with black for eyes. Colored silks used for crowns. Chariot is in fine couched gold with heavy surface stitches for wings and reins. Along top and bottom is a narrow guard border with a design of leafy vines.