This striking medieval tapestry was woven in the 15th Century on a high-warp (vertical) loom. It originated from Les Ateliers de France, possibly from Burgundy, and was bequeathed by a Madame Edmond Dollfuss in 1930 to the Cluny Museum in Paris where it hangs today.

In the Middle Ages, tapestries were almost exclusively commissioned by the nobility, yet they often featured scenes from everyday life including peasant activities. This tapestry depicts the harvesting of grapes, and the pressing and treading into wine. The story is set against a mille-fleurs (thousand flowers) background which was very popular in the 15th Century and was possibly inspired by the custom of strewing cut flowers on the ground on fte days.

The noblewoman in the centre is about to dip a flagon into the barrel of newly-made wine. The richly dressed couple on the left are inspecting the labours of the peasants whilst the lady tastes the first fruits of the vintage. The unidentified coats of arms in the top corners of the tapestry are probably those of the original commissioner and his wife.
This beautiful tapestry is woven on a jacquard loom by skilled weavers, keeping alive the centuries old tradition of tapestry manufacturing from generation to generation. This tapestry is fully lined incorporating a sleeve along the top for hanging with a Fleur de Lys hanging rod. Alternatively, this tapestry can be hung with a wooden batten which is a concealed method of hanging.

Features

Tapestry Type     Loom Woven
Loom Woven      In France
Composition        77% wool, 20% cotton, 3% polyester

Dimensions.       72 x 122 cm.  $470