Burgundy Silk Velvet Liturgical Burse with Gold Cross

Elizabethan · 1600s · Italian

This liturgical burse features a central cross motif created from four burgundy silk velvet squares separated by gold metallic thread borders. The cross is surrounded by an elaborate floral border on cream silk ground, depicting stylized flowers, leaves, and scrolling vines in green, pink, and gold threads. The entire piece is framed by a gold metallic braid trim. The embroidery appears to be executed in silk threads with metallic accents, showing the refined needlework typical of 17th-century Italian ecclesiastical textiles. The geometric organization of the central cross contrasts with the organic flowing nature of the surrounding botanical motifs.