Band (Italy), 16th–17th century (CH 18407105-2)

A pair of narrow borders of cream-colored linen elaborately embroidered in gold thread and colored silk. Design shows a winged head of cherubim with a symmetrical border pattern of dolphins, lions, and a vase of flowers with delicate symmetrical vines framing and connecting the elements. Faces of cherubs in white silk, long and short stitch, with dark brown for curly hair. Balance of the design in couched gold thread, partly with color. Manes of lions in heavy, looped gold. Flower heads in colored silks in pale tints.