Splendid Antique Emerald Moire Silk Religious Ecclesiastic Chasuble

Made of buttery smooth emerald green moire silk, it would have been used for “Ordinary Time,” the stretches of time between Easter and Christmas, and vice versa. It is meant to represent the anticipation and hope in the resurrection of Christ. It originates from a small collection in France and dates at the turn of the century 1900-1910.

The hue of the green is rich and vibrant. Very fine machine embroidery presents a delicate design on the back panel in the shape of a cross. Fanciful fleur de lis, leaves and buds, tulips, lilies and vines. The embroidery stitching is amazing, tiny "v" shaped interlocking stitches produce a smooth and thick appearance. There is a 1/2" cotton silk brocade edge trim in a beautiful pale off white (wear to braid places..see photos).

The front panel is worked using the same embroidered design worked into a central rectangle shape (wear to the embroidery and silk at the center as is typical of vestments which have been used). The backing is of a green cotton fabric which has faded at the edges in accordance to wear and age.

It measures: 41 1/2" long; 25" wide (back panel),22" wide (front panel bottom). There is an old wine? stain at the top left shoulder (see photo).