Antique Napoleon III Era French Religious Banner

This exquisite religious banner is made from the most beautiful violet silk which is enhanced by shimmering pale gilt metallic monogram and fringe. It originates from the south of France and dates towards 1860.

The unusual hue of the fabric indicates that the banner was made in a convent, from cast off, donated clothing of a noble lady. The silk is very fine Lyon silk in the color of a purple azalea flower. The reverse is of a deep purple cotton. The large monogram, "JHS" is made entirely of very fine gilt threads which wrap around a base form; this gives the monogram a 3-D appearance. There is a waffle metallic braid at the crown and a beautiful pale gilt bouillon along the bottom edge. There are three rings at the back for hanging.

It measures: 24" x 9" (at the longest point at center) It is in amazing antique condition: the color of the silk is still brilliant, there are one or two stain spots on the face, one tiny split on the back purple cotton fabric.

We have never found another example in such a marvelous color. It is a beautiful religious textile.