Pair of gloves

These Spanish gloves are an early example of European knitting as few pieces survive prior to the 16th century. The earliest knitted objects are found in Spain, and we think the craft was introduced via Islamic culture from North Africa.

These gloves were hand-knitted in stocking stitch from red silk and yellow silk wrapped with silver strip. They were made for a bishop and are decorated with religious symbols. These include a cross surmounting a heart, a shepherd's crook or bishop’s crozier to the left, and a reliquary to the right. The cuffs are patterned with geometric designs and a Greek wave motif appears on the fingers and wrist. The silver-gilt bobbin lace and plaited braid applied to the fingers gives the appearance of the seam lines in sewn leather gloves.

These gloves are knitted in the round, with the second thread woven into the back of the stitches so that the inside is neatly finished. The thumb was knitted separately, also in the round, and there is a diamond-shaped gusset between the thumb and index finger.