Textiles

Qing period embroidered satin throne-back cushion covers can be seen still in situ in a number of the buildings in the Forbidden City including the Hall of Supreme Principle and the Palace of Eternal Spring. Others are held by institutions and collectors throughout the world.

Indian talismanic shirts or Qur’an jama were believed to carry protective powers.

Still a figure of glamour 450 years after her execution, Mary Queen of Scots was reputed to have embroidered the c.16th century fragment of bed curtain sold at Hansons (25% buyer’s premium) at Etwall on December 7.

Appealing to a range of different types of collectors, Victorian and Edwardian animals pin cushions have their own niche in the novelty silver field.

Masoud Mazaheri of Bakhtiyar is among the dealers set to appear at LARTA this month.

Left out of the Christie’s sale 20 years ago, but far from remnant-bag pieces, the 11 early needlework items from the Sir Frederick Richmond collection offered at Gildings (20% buyer’s premium) attracted keen interest from UK collectors and specialist dealers.

The Decorative Fair becomes first major event to be held in 2022 after others are postponed.

“From then on, nothing went right. My carpet designs were rejected and my textiles were not required."

Early wallpapers and wall coverings are specialities of Carolle Thibaut-Pomerantz.

Chinese textiles specialist Jacqueline Simcox is selling this 15th century Chinese silk brocade geometric panel, priced at £20,000.

Alec Walker (1889-1964) created Cryséde fabrics as a small experimental silk-printing firm in Newlyn in 1920.

This large Ottoman metal thread and silk hanging features a dedication to Sultan Ahmed III (1673-1736).

Always a bonus for buyers is two fairs in the same venue on the same day.

While 19th century American-made needlework quilts can often sell for substantial four and even five-figure sums, it is a rare that an English example brings as much as this one offered at Tennants (20% buyer’s premium) on August 21.

Samplers made by siblings or generations of the same family can attract a significant commercial premium.

Embroidered samplers and pictures in high demand stateside

Depicting Bacchus and Ariadne riding a golden chariot drawn by leopards, a monumental Mortlake tapestry led a small but significant textiles section at Dreweatts.

Set of tools was designed specifically to take apart rather than create fine textiles

After 10 years based at London’s Old Spitalfields Market, Phil Taylor Cool Stuff is moving west to the antiques hub of Lillie Road in Fulham.

Anne Swift and her son Phil run Swift Antique Lace, trading from a stall in London’s Portobello Road antiques market.