Orphrey cross and coats of arms

item details

NameOrphrey cross and coats of arms

ProductionUnknown; embroiderer; 1350-1700; Italy

Classificationdevotional images, textiles, embroidery

Materialssilk, gold, silver, copper

Materials Summarysilver, silver gilt, copper, silk, linen

Techniquesembroidering

DimensionsOverall: 350mm (width), 655mm (height), 40mm (depth)

Registration NumberPC000795

Credit lineGift of Mrs Alec Tweedie, 1946

Overview

This embroidery is probably Italian, dating to the middle of the fourteenth century. The crucifix (a figure of Christ on the cross) is worked in gilded (silver) thread over copper wire that has been sculpted into a human form. This style of metal thread embroidery was popular in Europe during the time this work was made. The geometric pattern of the cross is intended to simulate goldsmiths' work, and is a technique known as Or de Chypre.

Significance
The crucifix is one of the earliest examples of European embroidery in Te Papa's collection. The embroidery would have been made in a professional workshop and would have originally decorated a religious vestment.

Coats of arms
The crucifix was originally flanked by two embroidered Norwegian coats of arms, honouring the marriage of Colonel and Commandant Arendt Krag (1670-1702) and Kirsten Elizabeth Tronsberg (1680-1709).

These works are part of a small collection bequeathed to the Museum in 1946 from the estate of Mrs Alec Tweedie, an English textile enthusiast and collector.