Household Linens

A collection of references to the European textiles known collectively as Perugian wares or Perugia towels. It focuses on the technical and art-historical specifics of these textiles, especially in their medieval and early Renaissance manifestations.

Napkins and tablecloth s in linen damask in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Tablecloths, including brocaded and embroidered examples.

Evidence for embroidere d bed linens and other bedding from the Middle Ages.

An article on embroideri ng napkins with heraldic motifs, with a photo of a Flemish damask napkin circa 1500, featuring the arms of Henry VII of England.

Includes a late 16th century napkin for Queen Elizabeth I; a napkin for Mauritz of Orange-Nas sau (ca. 1601); and additional 17th century items. (The "text& #34; includes a brief descriptio n of the exhibit, and a history of Flemish linen damask weaving.)

Notes on tableware in 16th century England.

Illustrations of beds & bedding, as well as photos of extant beds.

Period artworks showing servingware, drinking vessels & tableware, and eating utensils; and links to extant examples of tableware and eating utensils.

On towels in the Middle Ages. Features illustrations from the 13th-15th centuries showing towels in use.

Medieval tablecloth s with brocaded designs.