Pair of gloves

This leather glove demonstrates the lavish style of metal embroidery popular in the 1660s. The whole gauntlet is encrusted with densely worked silver and silver-gilt purl (tiny coils of very fine metal wire) and strip. An edging of blue grosgrain ribbon underneath the embroidery can only just be seen. Gloves were a popular choice of gift in the 17th century. It was customary to present the monarch with a pair at New Year, and gloves were also frequently exchanged as wedding gifts.