Tablecloth, Chained Cats

The “Chained Cats” towel/napkin design is typical of the 15th C. trend in patterns, and cats are a popular motif in this type of textiles, especially in the area around Florence. All the patterns were literally used for centuries, and any medieval design might well appear in the folk textiles still woven in the region. Cats can be seen in this example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, this example in the German National Museum, and this example in the Cooper Hewitt Museum. The pattern for our tablecloth was taken directly from a 15th C. textile fragment in the Collezione Rocchi in Florence (which is not online). Complete documentation is included with each item.

The laying of the cloth on the table is described in great detail in John Russell's 'Book of Nurture'; the cloth is generally laid on the table or sideboard with the decorative bands draped over the end as shown in this plate from Histoire d'Olivier de Castille et d'Artus d'Algèbre. This plate also depicts how similar cloths were used in serving. The proportions of our cloths were extrapolated from period artwork and extant fragments to produce the most historical look on a modern table.

Cats are a popular motif, especially in the area around Florence. Examples can be seen in this example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, this example in the German National Museum, and this example in the Cooper Hewitt Museum. Complete documentation is included with each item.

• Design is was taken directly from a 15th C. textile fragment in the Collezione Rocchi in Florence
• Linen warp, cotton weft, same as the original
• Body is woven in the bird's eye weave of the originals
• Band patterns are woven with indigo-dyed yarn
• 60" x 120" approx
• Hand knotted fringe on both ends
• Machine washable