Gorgeous Rare Subject 1900s French Needlepoint Tapestry Hand made & signed by Chateau de Bonneval nr Limoges Start Price GBP 350.00 Current Price GBP 350.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, December 03, 2008 End Time Monday, December 08, 2008 Location Lincoln See more about 'Gorgeous Rare Subject 1900s French Needlepoint Tapestry' Description View Sellers Shop | Contact Seller This is very beautiful, and very unusual - a needlepoint tapestry, all hand worked in tent stitch, in a strong bold design, in warm colours - an interesting and in some ways, surprising scene. There are 2 men in the background, wearing mediaeval costume, in a large expanse of countryside with woodland, surrounded by animals of very different types! There are rabbits and deer, ibis and macaws, camel and horse, leopard and ibex, parrot and tropical trees. Incredible! It is so full of detail and what an interesting combination of Africa and France! I can only imagine that it represents some part of the story of the family of the chateau, worked into a needlepoint picture sometime around the start of the 1900s I would say. I believe it was made by ladies of the Chateau de Bonneval, as the 'signature' is over-stitched in the bottom left-hand side, not within the design. Chateau de Bonneval, a 14th century castle is located at a small village called Coussac-Bonneval in the departement Haute-Vienne, some 50 km from Limoges.  It is in super condition, no holes or damage, and there is no fading. It is made from a wool and I think some silk mixed in as it is so soft and has a lustre about it, but has a very strong quality - and is heavy, over 3 kg (6  1/2 lbs ). The width is 5 ft 4" (about 1.62 m ) high by 5 ft 7" ( 1.7 m) wide - there is a border ( 5" 12 cm wide) of a sort of heraldic pattern, which is separately attached to the main tapestry / needlepoint. It looks to me like the main piece is earlier than the added border piece, which is why I have shown a picture of the reverse side, where I believe it was backed by a fabric at one time. Superb, clean condition, would look wonderful hanging on a wall, as it is so colourful and full of interest and wonderful detail. It would make a great gift. Just gorgeous!(Please remember with vintage or antique textiles they are not perfect (unless I happen to mention they are!) so please do not expect that (believe me some people do!). If you have any doubts please ask before bidding, I will happily try to assist. Thanks! The photo shows a close-up of the Chateau de Bonneval 'signature'. Fab thing with a superb provenance! Why not take a look at our 'About me' page, if you have a minute? Be sure to add me to your favourites list !Check out my other items!     Place a Bid!