Woodland

Another scene from “The Jagaloon Tapestries”, “Woodland” was commissioned by the King of Poland and woven in Flanders some time during the mid 16th century. Designed as a portiere, its original role was to serve as a covering for a doorway or window to reduce the inevitable drafts in a castle or chateau. In fact, “portiere” is short for rideau de porte, which means door curtain in French. The earliest portieres began to appear in Europe 1,500 years ago. They evolved over time into often extravagant embroidered works that were of silk. “Woodland” is an exquisite example of fine portieres. It depicts a woodland at the height of summer. The ivy entwined trees are in full bloom, reaching out in all directions. A patterned border and ornamental panels provides a distinctive frame for this piece. This tapestry is lined and has a tunnel for easy hanging.