This pair of early 19th-century French Aubusson Lambrequins measure 67" x 88" and haveh an inside drop of 47" tall x 35" wide. The top to opening at center measures 21 ½” and the top to opening at the sides measures 19”.
French Aubusson Lambrequins
They are sold only as a pair. The first tapestry panel features a stork and fall hunting landscape, while the second panel has a monkey riding the dragon fish, or dolphin as they are sometimes called, with a castle in the background. The stories show the spoils of sea and land. We believe these were made for a hunting lodge and that the Lambrequins would have surrounded the entrance or a pair of windows.
See Our Antique Textiles in Person
This is but one of many luxurious one-of-a-kind antiques we have in our Pensacola atelier, as we have row upon row of textiles that include everything from antique French heirloom linens and primitive Austro-Hungarian Empire textiles to Art Deco and Bohemian specimens—at last count two million one-of-a-kind linens of the finest quality.
If you see a beautiful specimen on this site that you would like to see in person and you cannot visit us but you are a regular at either Round Top or the High Point Market, we will happily bring it to one of these shows so you can see for yourself how remarkable it is. See our Calendar of Events page for fair dates and let us know if we can bring our sumptuousness to you.
Evolution of Lambrequins
This decorative style of drapery that embellishes the top of a window it surrounds is a type of Pelmet with elongated sides. Some are upholstered, while others are not. The word “Lambrequin” means “a short piece of decorative drapery hung over the top of a door or window, or draped from a shelf or mantelpiece” or “a piece of cloth covering the back of a medieval knight’s helmet, represented in heraldry as the mantling.” These elements date back to the 15th century when fabric festooned with trims, fringes and tassels decorating the bed was appropriated for window coverings.
In modern decorating, we call the treatment a valance, and most of us know these elements as paired down, the clean lines more fitting for contemporary styles that do not call for the visual layering of the past. We believe these fabulous tapestries layered over lace panels bring a chic panache that has a timeless appeal for the romantics among us, even those who prefer transitional interiors to traditional styles!