10 Amazing Facts About Tapestries

Tapestries are decorative hand woven wall hangings, made with weft threads and one of the most prized possessions of many home decor lovers. Tapestries have witnessed legacies and in many cases, have been handed over from generation to generations. Today, tapestries are considered to be one of the most coveted decorative pieces of a home, mandala tapestry being one of the most popular motifs preferred.

Below we have listed 10 amazing facts about tapestries.

1.      Tapestries have been woven since times immemorial and inspirations for them were mainly derived from religion, history, mythology, allegory and ancient stories. They were popular not only because of their decorative value, but also because they insulated the walls of the churches and castles against cold weather. The art of tapestry making has been refined over the years. Tapestries are generally woven over a vertical loom.

2.      Weaving tapestries is a unique art in itself. Unlike cloth weaving, in which the threads are exposed on both sides, tapestry weaving in weft faced and the warp threads which are used are ultimately hidden in the completed work.

3.      In Europe, tapestries were first popularized in Switzerland and Germany and later Netherlands and France took over. Brussels became the centre point for tapestry weaving and earned much repute from 14^th century AD until 17^th century AD after which the Gobelins from Paris took over the monopoly. Arras in France also became home to tapestry weaving. After the French Revolution, numerous wall tapestries were burnt to recover some old gold threads which were used to weave them.

4.      Tapestries have earned world wide popularity post it’s use in the Europe and China. Tapestries woven in India and Morocco are known for the treatment of texture, patterns and colours.

5.      The front and the back of tapestries are alike, except for the portions of the intricate artwork made with threads of the same colour. A loose thread, which connects all the designs, is left hanging on the reverse of the tapestry. The colours of the tapestry are woven separately and later the little slits in between them are sewn up.

6.      Ancient Chinese tapestries or K’ossu used to be woven with silk and gold.

7.      Greek tapestry from 3^rd century BCE has been preserved in the Tarim Basin desert.

8.      The artist generally creates the painting on paper or linen and hands them over to the weaver to produce the same design on the tapestry.

9.      The weaver generally cannot see the tapestry until it is completely woven.  In case if he desires to look at it while it is being woven, he needs to use a mirror to view the reflection.

10.  In the recent times, tapestries can be found in all kinds of styles. Apart from the conventional landscapes, portraits and motifs, weavers can now weave your complete family tree on a tapestry for you to proudly flaunt in your homes.

In the modern times, hippie tapestry is mostly associated with the bohemian theme of decor. Today tapestries are used instead of headboards, wall hangings or to simply liven up an otherwise dull space.