Towel with Border of Figures of Men and Animals

18th-19th century

Towel with Border of Figures of Men and Animals, 18th-19th century. Russia, 18th-19th century. Cutwork and drawnwork: linen; straight (continuous) bobbin lace (tape lace) edging; overall: 48.4 x 154.1 cm (19 1/16 x 60 11/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of J. H. Wade 1921.1140 On each end of this cloth is a lace border depicting a man walking with his mule and two birds flying above. The man and his mule are approached by a large feline, perhaps a panther, which is a common motif in Russian textiles. Metallic and colored silk threads are used to render the figures and create individualized details. Handmade lace for marriage dowries was produced in large quantities in Russia during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.