Tapestries have a long history of its own evolution, in different cultures across the world. Although tapestries are an ancient art form with beautiful pictures woven on the body of a woolen, cotton or silk textile, in vibrant colors and intricate designs, the wall hanging tapestries has journeyed through diverse traditions and is still used with modern adaptations to decorate a twenty-first century home.
Tapestries still enjoy its class and dignity as a classical art form because of its uniqueness as an artistic creation as well as delicate craftsmanship. Tapestries wall hangings are found in numerous styles. According to its origin, converging from different traditions, it has come to be known as Belgian, floral, Gothic or Renaissance tapestry.
There are other varieties of tapestries that were created during different historical eras. These tapestries consequently imbibed the inherent quality of that period, like the Romantic tapestry or landscape tapestry as also the Bayeux tapestry from the 11th century. Tapestries are created with several functional attributes and are graceful when hung or used as pillow covers or bed covers in your living room or bedroom.
Tapestries are a creation of art and also require great crafting skills. These designs with their large picturesque images can look magical and change the ambience of the entire room. In ancient times, tapestries were used as art forms to depict biblical stories that can attract the common man through pictures. These were much preferred as a communication medium apart from its aesthetic value.
Weaving on materials like Chenille that is smooth and soft can give a great feeling of the images that were created. In case of the Bayeux tapestry, the texture is much rough and grainy which gives a different impression altogether. In recent years, tapestries are made with exact reproduction of the images taken from master painters and artists like Van Gogh and other impressionist artists. Tapestries are also created depicting medieval scenes and biblical stories.
Designs and patterns that are on high demand across the world are images taken from masterpieces of Western art. Aubusson, Savonnerie, Chambord are few of the traditional styles and patterns that come from Belgium. They depict beautiful scenes taken from everyday life and also from mythical stories. In Bayeux, situated in France there is a tapestry that is 20 inches by 230 feet in length featuring all the intricate details of the Battle of Hastings that was fought in 1066 AD.
