Description

The Lady and the Unicorn (French: La Dame à la licorne) is the modern title given to a series of six tapestries created in the style of mille-fleurs (“thousand flowers”) and woven in Flanders from wool and silk, from designs (“cartoons”) drawn in Paris around 1500.

The set, on display in the Musée de Cluny in Paris, is often considered one of the greatest works of art of the Middle Ages in Europe.

Five of the tapestries are commonly interpreted as depicting the five senses – taste, hearing, sight, smell, and touch. The sixth displays the lady standing in front of a tent, across the top of which is inscribed her motto, “À Mon Seul Désir”, one of the deliberately obscure and elegant mottos, typically alluding to courtly love, adopted by the nobility during the age of chivalry.

It is variously interpreted as “to my only/sole desire”, “according to my desire alone”; “by my will alone”, “love desires only beauty of soul”, and “to calm passion”.

This portiere tapestry features the orange tree from “À Mon Seul Désir”.

Traditional Tapestries were established in 1991 by husband and wife team, Colin and Catherine.  Their workshops and office complex utilise a large converted barn nestling in the Cornish countryside. They are family business employing a local skilled workforce.

All of the tapestry panels and fabrics are imported direct from Master Flemish Weavers, who use modern electronic Jacquard looms utilizing the latest computer technology to create the finest high quality designs. Many designs are reproduced from ancient medieval tapestries, although several new creations are inspired from contemporary art forms.

The unfinished tapestry panels are then sent to the UK where they are made into elegant wall tapestries, cushions and bags. Measures approx. 75cm x 187cm and has a tab on the back to hang using a pole or a rod (sold separately).

Please be aware, delivery of this item can take up to two weeks.