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Antique late 19th-century ceremonial velvet wall hanging, attributed to the Knights of Pythias, circa 1890s.
A remarkable surviving piece of American fraternal decorative art, constructed in rich deep burgundy/red velvet and ornamented with elaborate metallic textile appliqué, corded goldwork and metallic fringe.
The central device depicts a visored and plumed armored knight with lance, surrounded by elaborate Renaissance Revival scrolling ornament and fleur-de-lis motifs. Period Knights of Pythias regalia and lodge material incorporated closely related helmet and lance imagery, making a Pythian attribution considerably more likely than Knights Templar. Knights Templar material of the period typically makes prominent use of cross insignia, which is notably absent from this piece.
The hanging appears to have been intended as ceremonial interior decoration for a lodge or Castle Hall, or possibly a processional banner. Two velvet hanging tabs are present along the upper edge, with two more having been removed (please see last two photographs for close ups), and the shaped lower edge is finished with approximately 1 1/2 inches of metallic fringe.
The velvet appears to be a very fine, likely silk velvet, with metallic/gold-toned appliqué and decorative cordwork. The piece has a wonderful faded-gilt appearance and substantial visual presence.
Wall hanging measures 35 inches x 42 inches exclusive of fringe. Antique condition with significant age-related deterioration and losses to portions of the metallic appliqué and decorative work, including areas around the central helmet and lower ornament. There are loose threads, wear and losses consistent with the considerable age and fragile materials of the piece. The reverse particularly reveals the extent of the deterioration to the applied decoration. Please examine all photographs carefully; the piece is being offered as found and has not been restored.
Dating to approximately the 1890s–early 1900s, this is an unusually large and decorative example of late Victorian American fraternal lodge material and would make a striking display piece for a collection of fraternal history, Knights of Pythias material, antique textiles, or Victorian ceremonial objects.
