A Chancay Brocaded Textile...

Description

A Chancay Brocaded Textile
Peru, Late Intermediate Period, c. 1000-1450 AD

This large Chancay textile panel is worked in cotton and camelid fiber, its surface richly brocaded in tones of white, beige, tan, gold, ochre, and pink. The composition is framed by tapestry-woven borders on two sides, enhancing the textile's architectural presence. The brocade technique, requiring the insertion of supplementary wefts, produces a richly textured fabric of dazzling color contrasts. In good condition, some stains on borders, 2 x 2 inch loss on one side near border. Mounted to linen and enclosed in an acrylic box.

The Chancay tradition is among the most technically diverse and innovative of the Andes, ranging from gauze weaves and openwork embroidery to painted cloth and complex tapestry. Here, the refinement of the brocade and tapestry elements demonstrates the virtuoso control of color and structure that marked the finest Chancay workshops.

Remarkable in its size, preservation, and vibrancy, this textile epitomizes the Chancay achievement in weaving. Both technically demanding and visually captivating, it stands as a superb example of ancient Andean art, notable for its scale, rich palette, and museum-level quality.

Provenance:
Acquired by the current collection in 1991
Merrin Gallery, New York, NY

Dimensions of shadow box: 43 ½ x 40 ½ x 2 inches

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