The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of August 11, 2026

A horizontally long ivory linen cloth features five vertical bands of dark stitching dividing plain panels. A wide needle lace border runs along the bottom, showcasing a repeating pattern of ivory peacocks and stylized trees. Profile-facing birds flank intricate botanical forms against a charcoal ground. Thin lines of dark thread create vertical segments across the textile, providing a structured contrast to the ornate, shimmering lace running the entire length.

Cloth with Border of Peacocks and Vegetation

1600s–1700s

Italy

plain weave bleached linen (est.): needle lace, burato (twined ground and darned in one direction)
Overall: 80.3 x 334.3 cm (31 5/8 x 131 5/8 in.)
Dudley P. Allen Fund 1916.1884
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

Based on the ancient belief that the peacock’s flesh never decayed, they became a symbol of immortality and the Resurrection of Christ.

Description

This large cloth shows a repeated pattern of confronted peacocks flanked by decorative motifs. More birds appear in the register above, and a pattern of four-legged animals is in the register below.
  • Ricci, Elisa. Old Italian Lace. 1913. v. 1 no. 98
    Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The Annette Finnigan Collection of Laces. [Houston]: [Biggers printing Company], 1940. p. 7 no. 1
  • {{cite web|title=Cloth with Border of Peacocks and Vegetation|url=false|author=|year=1600s–1700s|access-date=11 August 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1916.1884