Tapestries are becoming more and more popular as an interior design component for the home. Their versatility and many different sizes and styles mean they can fit into just about any decor. All you have to do is choose a tapestry that matches your existing room, or decide on the style you want to build a whole new room.
Remains of tapestries have been found in tombs in ancient Egypt, the deserts of Greece, and the frozen land of Norway. They represent historical events, mythological beings and royal families. The ancients used pictorial evidence to document great events and everyday affairs and founded an art that would endure for centuries.
The tapestries are woven in the strict sense, although there are some famous panels of embroidery and others of painting on cotton that have been called tapestries. A true tapestry is woven on a loom, with colored warp and weft threads intertwining to form a pattern. Most ancient tapestries served a dual purpose: to warm a cold room, and to educate or remind people of certain events or events.
Tapestries through the ages
For some, the early Gothic designs from medieval times are the most attractive. These look right at home in almost any sumptuously decorated setting. They accent heavy, dark furniture and rich upholstery by adding height to the room. A large tapestry done in the early medieval style can invite the viewer in and make a room seem even larger.
Renaissance tapestries shifted the focus from darker royal tones to the softer richness of blue, gold, and pink tints. Almost impressionistic in nature, many of these depict wild flowers, calming landscapes, and idealistic romantic portraits. Armored knights and bridesmaids are common themes, with dragons and unicorns peppered with a generous hand.
The East has documented famous emperors’ palaces and raging battlefields with equal fervor. Asian tapestries are woven with careful attention to detail, making birds appear extraordinarily lifelike and flowers appear ready to shoot off the wall. Depictions of royal princesses are mixed with those of ordinary farmers, and every fold of each garment is meticulously recorded.
Along with the exotic but realistic features of Asian rugs, those from India have a rounded, luxurious appearance. The costumes are again handled in great detail, and historical events are recorded for posterity. Famous places are skillfully rendered and the use of color is accurate. These tapestries look good in bright and colorful rooms; Fruit and flower themes are perfect for both bedrooms and living rooms.
In the New World and the Old
For homes with a Southwestern flavor, Native American rugs can provide that authentic touch. Traditionally handwoven from a variety of materials, these tapestries are often made from dyed woolen yarn and are heavier in texture than finer European samples.
American Indian rugs focus on symmetrical designs with an even amount of patterned and blank background space. The artist can use bold colors or muted earth tones, so the options are almost endless. He can choose a nearly square rug style or a long, narrow tapestry suitable for hanging horizontally to divide a large wall.
Post-Renaissance French and English tapestries often depict hunting scenes and coats of arms. The red hunting coats contrast sharply with the deep greens and browns of the forest, as hounds chase deer, fox or hares. These depictions of the sporting wealthy often hung over opposing mantels or fireplaces, and are perfect for wood-paneled homes.
personal tapestries
Coats of arms bearing the family motto were often commissioned for prominent families in Europe, and many were later brought to the Colonies with their descendants. They are still popular with families who can trace their lineage generation after generation. These feature crests and backgrounds based on family colours, sometimes with the addition of a lion or other animal as required.
Many people prefer religious themes as subjects for their tapestries: Biblical scenes abound, as well as angelic depictions of every conceivable style. Old Testament images such as Moses and the tablets or Daniel in the lions’ den are common, as are New Testament images of Christ knocking on the door or rising into heaven. These are often hung in bedrooms and living rooms.
The common idea behind many tapestries is simply to tell a story through images; color, texture and images are designed for maximum impact. These works of art are the perfect solution for interior decoration, turning a room from boring to impressive in a matter of minutes. Find one that speaks to you and you’ll enjoy it for years to come!
