Samite with Byzantine medallions, 100% silk, midnight blue, 1m

Product description

The geometric pattern we see on this reproduction is dominated by eight-pointed stars with oval medallions containing, in alternating rows, birds (perhaps the great bustard, typical to central Asia) and stylized leafy trees. The area between the rosettes is filled with simple geometrical hatching to form the petals of a flower. The early medieval austerity of the design is softened by little details like the delicate heart-shaped leaves at the corners of the rosette and the fine detailing of the individual figures in the medallions.

The original fragment upon which this reproduction is based was found near the Moschevaya Balka burial ground in the northwest Caucasus, where it probably arrived by international trade. The fragment is held at the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Like brocade, samite is a fabric where the pattern is woven in. The technique has been known since the middle ages. Samite uses a twill weave, which makes it very sturdy. Our reproduction is of pure silk, with a thicker thread that gives it a slightly pebbly surface. It is supple, with a soft hand, and breathes well. Reproductions of period fabrics such as this are perfect for sewing historical costumes and also bring something special to modern interiors or contemporary fashions.

Under samite we recommend a lining of a natural material such as silk or fine linen.

This pattern reconstruction is the intellectual property of SARTOR BOHEMIA.

Care

We recommend dry cleaning this fabric at a reliable dry cleaner. In our tests of how to wash silk this fabric stood up to gentle hand washing. If you risk hand washing, use lukewarm water and a delicate detergent for woolens; do not wring or squeeze dry; block dry on a flat surface. Dry iron on the back on the lowest setting.