The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 19, 2025

Cope

1500s

China, Macao

Silk
Overall: 124.5 x 276.9 cm (49 x 109 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1950.6
Location: Not on view

Description

Silk fabric woven in China with European motifs was transported by European traders by the early 16th century. This popular pattern features a crowned double-headed eagle grasping arrows in its claws above a vase emitting blossoming vines. The eagle motif was derived from the Habsburg coat of arms, rulers of Spain and Austria during the 1500s and 1600s. Vertical borders with Chinese flora occur near the selvages of the five silk lengths forming the cope. The gilt-metal braided and fringed hood and broad orphrey band, or ornamental border, along the front edges feature fashionable small-scale floral sprigs.
  • ?–1950
    (Adolph Loewi [1888–1977], Los Angeles, CA, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art)
    1950–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Opulent Fashion in the Church. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (September 19, 2016-October 2, 2017).
  • {{cite web|title=Cope|url=false|author=|year=1500s|access-date=19 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1950.6