Red velvet chasuble

The silk red velvet of the chasuble was made in Venice in the mid-15th century. This piece is woven with the pile cut to two different heights, which gives an almost three-dimensional effect. The pattern is formed by areas of the ground being left free of velvet, which gives the impression of an 'incised' design. The pattern consists of floral or vegetal shapes, 'pomegranates' or ‘pineapples’ in various guises. These patterns, called “a inferriata”, became characteristic of Renaissance textile design.
The front and the back of the Chasuble are embellished by applied ophrey, worked in coloured silks and metal threads.
The chasuble is the vestment (priestly garment) worn by a Catholic priest when celebrating the mass (the main service of worship).