tapestry

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Ornamental textile into which a pattern or pictorial scene has been handwoven. The foundation of a tapestry is known as the warp, and is usually made of linen or wool. The tapestry design is formed by the weft, different coloured strands of yarn, such as wool or silk, that are woven through the warp until it is entirely covered. Tapestries are either woven with the warp stretched on a vertical loom, known as high-warp tapestry weaving, or horizontally on a low-warp loom. The great European centres of tapestry weaving were in Belgium, France, and England.

Tapestries have been woven for centuries in many countries. Although mainly used as wall hangings, particularly in wealthy homes before wallpaper was invented, they have also been used for curtains and other furnishings. During the Middle Ages the art was practised in monasteries. European tapestries of the 13th century frequently featured oriental designs brought back by the Crusaders. The Gobelins tapestry factory of Paris was made a royal establishment in the 17th century. In England, William Morris established the Merton Abbey looms in the late 19th century. Other designers have included the painters Raphael, Rubens, and Burne-Jones.

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