Antique 19th Century French Religious Chasuble

SOLD This beautiful religious chasuble is made from sumptuous Lyon silk damask. It originates from the south of France and dates between 1860-1880.

The purple chasuble was used at Advent, Sundays and Ferias in Lent, Liturgies on Holy Saturday (except for the Easter Vigil), Sacrament of Reconciliation and Sacrament of the Sick.

The damask pattern is just glorious and the deep, rich purple silk stunning. The back of the chasuble is embellished with a cross which is outlined with 1/2" wide purple and gold ecclesiastical braid trim. At the center is a stumpwork metallic gilt thread applique with sequin rays. The Christogram, IHS, is created by hundreds of fine gilt metallic threads which are sewn tightly side by side. The sequin rays are sewn onto a gold cotton fabric with metallic braid outlines. Ecclesiastical purple and gold braid continues around the edges of the textile and to the front panel. The back is lined with gold cotton fabric; there is an upper lace and linen collar guard at the back.

The chasuble measures 40" x 24"; the back IHS applique 9 1/2" x 9 1/2". The front panel measures It is in very good antique condition: there is fading to the back where the textile has been folded and light has hit it on a shelf (horizontal line at bottom third), some lifting of threads (but threads and sequins remain sewn) of the rays.

It is a precious religious textile from the period of Napoleon III.