Tablecloth, Gryphon

The "Gryphon" tablecloth design is typical of the 14th and 15th C. trend in patterns. All the patterns were literally used for centuries, and any medieval design might well appear in the folk textiles still woven in the region. The tablecloth is 60" wide X 120" (10 feet) long (approx) and is finished with a hand knotted fringe end and discrete side selvage as in the originals. These proportions were extrapolated from period artwork and extant fragments to produce the most historical look on a modern table.

The checkerboard and a motif that could be animals or gryphons can be seen in the Lombard manuscript ‘The Story of Lancelot’ dated 1370 (Biblioteque nationale, Paris, MS. fr. 343, 31v). Likewise, a design which is definately winged creatures facing one another across a spray may be seen in Apollonio di Giovanni's ‘Aneid’ dated 1450 (Biblioteca Riccardiana, Florence, MS.492.75r). Complete documentation is included with each item.