Burse panel
Object name
Date made
17th century-18th century
Place made
Description
Continental European burse panel with metal thread embroidery and metal lace edging, dating to the 17th or 18th century.
Content description
Continental European cream silk burse front with goldwork foliage and scroll motifs, spangles, and convex sequins, dating to the 17th or 18th century. The panel is made up of cardboard covered in cream-coloured silk on both sides, only one of which is decorated. The goldwork is made of purl.
The foliage, which borders the panel, may represent wheat-ears. The panel's central motif represents a monstrance reliquary or ostensorium standing on an altar with swags. The monstrance is used across a variety of Christian denominations. The burse panel is edged with metal bobbin lace with a fan motif and diamond shaped ground. Triple strips of lace have been applied to the top of the burse, while double strips have been applied to the burse's bottom edge.
Stitches include S-ing and cutwork with applied spangles and convex sequins. The centre of the monstrance has satin stitch in cream silk to represent glass at centre of reliquary.
Burses were and are still used to hold the corporal cloth as it is carried to and from an altar in church. It is extremely rare to have a burse bordered by lace, such as is seen here.
The foliage, which borders the panel, may represent wheat-ears. The panel's central motif represents a monstrance reliquary or ostensorium standing on an altar with swags. The monstrance is used across a variety of Christian denominations. The burse panel is edged with metal bobbin lace with a fan motif and diamond shaped ground. Triple strips of lace have been applied to the top of the burse, while double strips have been applied to the burse's bottom edge.
Stitches include S-ing and cutwork with applied spangles and convex sequins. The centre of the monstrance has satin stitch in cream silk to represent glass at centre of reliquary.
Burses were and are still used to hold the corporal cloth as it is carried to and from an altar in church. It is extremely rare to have a burse bordered by lace, such as is seen here.
Dimensions
width: 20cm
height: 24cm
height: 24cm
Materials
Stitches
Techniques
Motifs
Catalogue number
COL.55
Other numbers
RSN 1028
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