Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

What do tapestries symbolize?

1 Answer
What do tapestries symbolize?
What tapestries symbolize is largely a matter of individual interpretation. Because early examples graced the walls of palaces and grand estates, many people associate them with wealth, royalty, power and prestige. Individual tapestries may symbolize different themes based on the images and symbols that they display. For example, art historians believe the medieval Lady and the Unicorn tapestries represent the five human senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of tapestries.
1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
Shop for Tapestries on 1stDibs
Japanese Antique "BORO" 1800s-1860s / Rag Tapestry Patchwork Textile Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese BORO, dating back to the late Edo period (1800s–1860s). It is an extremely valuable textile that has been carefully preserved and passed down to the present d...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Tapestries

Materials

Fabric

Flemish Tapestry 17th– The Refusal of Vashti and Elevation of Esther
Located in Paris, FR
Flemish Tapestry, 17th Century, The Refusal of Vashti and the Elevation of Esther Period: 17th century Condition: Excellent antique condition Material: Wool & Silk Width: 370 cm Hei...
Category

Antique 17th Century French French Provincial Tapestries

Materials

Wool, Silk

Japanese Antique Rag "BORO" 1800s-1860s / Abstract Art Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an exceptional example of a Japanese *BORO* textile, dating from the late Edo period (1800s–1860s). Carefully preserved over generations, it embodies both the resourcefulness...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Tapestries

Materials

Fabric

Mid-Century Modern Style Chaco Cotton Wall Tapestry
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
This dramatic wall hanging is an impressive statement piece for almost any room.Custom sizes and others colors available by request. Each piece is completely made to order and is ava...
Category

2010s Argentine Other Tapestries

Materials

Cotton

Japanese Antique Paper Wabi-Sabi Washi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This rare shichou-maku (paper-hung curtain) was crafted during Japan’s Meiji period (late 19th to early 20th century). It was originally used in sericulture rooms—spaces dedicated ...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Japanese Edo Tapestries

Materials

Paper

Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry “fountain concert”
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French screen-printed by hand tapestry featuring the exquisite design of a medieval museum tapestry titled “fountain concert “ This tapestr...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Tapestries

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Linen

Shop All