Antique French Velvet Presentation Pillow

In a rare, vibrant fuchsia color, it is adorned by gilt metallic fringe and coiling tassels. This sumptuous presentation pillow would have supported a crown underneath a large glass globe.

It originates from the south of France and dates towards 1900. This genre of coussin or pillow was popular during the late 19th century and is specific to France.

The form is heavy with a sharply domed center top and bottom. It is covered sumptuous fuchsia silk velvet. The gilt metallic adornments are sewn and pinned on (tiny straight pins). At each corner an extravagant knot is formed by gilt metallic braids which attach to a large tassel. At the front there is a medallion of gilt metallic braid. The two identical tassels are formed from a gilt metallic thread "beehive" at the top. Coils of gilt metallic bouillon cascade attach to this and cascade downward. A double louped gilt metallic braid outlines the outside edge above a luscious row of gilt metallic bouillon.

The measurements are: 7 1/4" x 7 1/2" x 5 1/4" thick/tall. Each corner rosette knot measures 6". The tassels 1 3/4" long. It is an antique and the condition does show wear in accordance with advanced age: there three spots/tiny pin holes (which were used to help support the crown), light wear to velvet as expected with age. It sits solidly upon the the tabletop and is capable of supporting a heavy metal crown.

It is a beautiful bit of history which served a particular purpose for a particular era. The rich textile and the splendent metallic passementerie are of a quality no longer found in our era.