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Description
This embroidered cotton panel is an example of the exquisite delicacy of tambour work, a popular form of needlework in the 18th century. This particular example, probably made during the 2nd half of the 18th century, is beautifully executed with vividly-colored silk thread on a cream twill-woven diaper cotton ground. The ground fabric and a slightly elongated stitch suggest that it was made in Europe, probably France, in imitation of the fine embroidery done in Asia, and especially Gujarat, India at that time. Tambour work is stitched to fabric stretched over a frame and is characterized by continuous flowing lines of fine chain-stitch. The tradition of this type of needlework originated in India and was introduced to France in the 1760’s where it became highly fashionable well into the 19th century. The name "tambour" was established by the French who first designed the drum-shaped frame. Embroidery is well-suited for small-scale detailed design. Birds, flowers, butterflies, other insects, and fruit were all popular motifs found on 18th-century textiles in celebration of the natural world. The insects and birds we see on this panel are elegantly rendered with fine curvy lines and tight stitches. Tiny embellishments such as hair on the insects' legs, antennae, and individual feathers are possible with this technique. Tight rows of chain-stitches in a gradation of color indicate the painterly skill of shading.