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I am compiling a list of EASTERN textiles pre-1200 in WESTERN churches & cathedrals, and a photographic resource to go with it.
I am interested in Silk Road influence, Sassanian fragments, shrouds, etc. And – incidentally – has anyone published a picture or description of the one found round Princess Eadgyth?
Ancient textiles from the East have often been conserved in Western churches and cathedrals.
They were sometimes used as shrouds and subsequently venerated as holy relics, the source of lucrative pilgrimages.
They were also brought back from the East by crusaders and pilgrims, or given to established abbeys and cathedrals by great lords and princes.
Some of these Sassanian, Byzantine, Egyptian and Moorish textiles are still in religious edifices, in their treasuries or episcopal museums.
Others can be found in museums all over the world.
There is no doubt that they have been of the greatest importance in disseminating the styles and cultural influences of the Silk Routes into Western Europe and many motifs familiar to us on Romanesque capitals and artefacts have their origin in the imported silks and especially the Sassanian images. museums.
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