Brocatelle is a heavy, stiff fabric with raised patterns, originating from Italy in the 17th century. It is commonly made from silk and linen and used for upholstery. The patterns are inspired by marble and the fabric is a variant of damask. It was originally only found in wealthy homes and is still used for decorative purposes in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
A fabric with a heavy pattern done primarily in relief, brocatelle fabric is most commonly used for upholstery. The fabric is stiff and heavy. The patterns and name of this type of fabric come from the marble after which they are designed. It is found mainly in regions of France and Italy. Brocatelle is considered a variant of the traditional damask.
This highly figured fabric is often made from a combination of silk and linen. Brocatelle is a twill fabric, which is similar to brokade or damask. A fabric with origins in India, brocade is a silk woven fabric often with threads of gold or silver thread that enhance its weave and complement its patterns. In contrast, damask fabric traditionally employs a monochrome theme.
Brocatelle originates from 17th century Italy, and its name comes from the diminutive of the Italian word broccato. The meaning of brocatto translates to embossed cloth, which aptly describes the rich woven patterns so commonly found in brocatelle fabrics for centuries to follow. During the time of its origin, the cloth was only found in the homes of the wealthiest.
Originally, the fabric was supposed to look similar to the tooled leather that was very popular at the time. His raised figures were played in high relief. Brocatelle, in its most authentic form, is a double weave executed in a silk and linen warp and filled with the same materials. This padding added strength and body to a material created for both beauty and durability.
By the late 1800s, this fabric was known to feature paint patterns. The fabric was constructed in such a way that it could be worn with both sides facing up. Gold metal thread was the most common color for complementary stitching and was often juxtaposed with white, red, or a mid-tone blue.
While this fabric is most often classified as flat, the patterns stand out in such high relief that they create a blistered, irregular effect. While today’s brocatelle fabrics have changed, they are still executed on a very tight and compact woven base.
This heavy, decorative, ornate fabric is traditionally used in living rooms, as an accent on dining room chairs, and in ornate bedrooms. Brocatelle is a more expensive fabric as it is very labor intensive to produce in contrast to a plain fabric.
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