Chasuble Front

This is the front section of a chasuble, a long sleeveless vestment worn by priests during services. The richly woven fabric is decorated with foliage, flowers, animals and elaborate ornamentation, probably derived from Islamic models. The red, green, blue, white, and black color scheme of the chasuble is known as a five-color damask. The top row depicts back to back roebucks, a European and Asiatic deer, which recline under trees. This design motif alternates with a row depicting fountains that sprout floral vegetation and are flanked by green and blue peacocks.