Acsády vestments and accessories

Created: First half of the 18th century

Material, technology: silver embroidered cloth with embroidered decorations of silver and colorful silk

Size: antependium: 86.5 x 327 cm

Description: Each article of the richly embroidered vestments is made of un-dyed taffeta on linen with the stitching penetrating both layers. The silver embroidered cloth is decorated with large bizarre flowers (purple and pink irises with edged leaves woven in silk. The embroidery between the flowers and leaves consists of silver strands fastened to a thread underlaid with zigzag stitching of worked silk yarn. The sculpturesque quality of the flowers and leaves is enhanced not only by the rich colours but also by the use of metal strands, metal strips and cantille, spun either tightly or loosely to produce shiny or matte surfaces. The edges of some leaves are outlined in gold embroidery. The surfaces of the gold embroidery are framed by spun metallic string. The dividing lines and trim, imitating braided trim, are made of raised embroidery using gilt metallic strands on a cotton underlay. The thread used to fasten the metal strands is made of slightly grey, undyed silk. Two kinds of yellow silk - one light, the other dark-coloured - are used for the gold embroidery. The lock plate of the pluvial consists of cast, engraved silver shells. The silver base was for the most part made later, as the oxidised remains of the original base indicate. The place for the shield was left unembroidered and yellow taffeta silk lining can be seen under the shield. The original lining was probably red taffeta silk on linen and remains only on the stolas. The three chasubles received new pink linen linings, while the pluvial, dalmatics, and chalice-covers have completely new linings of yellow silk.