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Originating thousands of years ago, tassels have been found in
the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs. Over the centuries, artisans
crafted more complex and decorative tassels made of silk and
fine wool. Evidence of early examples of these fine crafts can
be found in Greece, Iran, Italy, China, England and France.
Beloved
around the world throughout the centuries, tassels reached
their pinnacle of elegance during the 17th century in France.
The French Royal Court of Louis XIV influenced interior design
by commissioning craftsmen to create elaborate tassels, called
passementeries in French, to decorate furnishings as well as
costumes of royalty and their attendants. Artisans took great
care and pride in their work, so even the simplest tassel had
a minimum of 300 threads. During this era, colorful, ornate
tassels of crimson, burgundy, yellow, blue and olive green
were interwoven with threads of metallic gold and silver.
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An overt
symbol of prestige, power, wealth and style, during the 1800s,
the wealthy continued their fascination with beauty and
opulence, so tassels of silk, cotton and wool trimmed
everything from keys, curtain tiebacks, cushions and
furniture, to clothing and horse and carriage regalia. In the
1880s, Napoleon Bonaparte’s throne was decorated with gold
tassels and his bed chamber at Fontainebleau was festooned
with gold braid, cord, loops and tieback tassels.
Decorative
use of tassels remains popular, since the braided threads
instantly add a touch of elegance and luxury to all that they
adorn.
Written by Tami Patzer
Printed
May/June 2009
Web July
2009 |
