Casgliadau Arlein

Black velvet funeral table cloth (for use with F2011.21.1) The centre is made from a rectangle of black velvet surrounded by bands of silk satin which are split open at the corners. The edges of the velvet and the open edges of the corners are decorated with a line of black chain stitch embroidery. There are also three lines of chain stitch running horizontally across the centre of the rectangle. The front edge of the cloth has 3 embroidered motifs, a crucifix with the letters ‘S H’ entwined with it in black thread. On either side is a crown in black and purple thread. The back edge has the same crucifix motif in the centre with a Maltese cross embroidered on either side, also in black thread using chain stitch. The right side has 2 embroidered fleur de lys, the left side has 2 embroidered stars of David all in black thread. There are also silk tassels attached to the corners, they have a twisted cord which curls around at the top and is secured with lengths of double thread. The tassels measure 24cm. The centre is lined with black cotton lawn pieced in 5 uneven sections. The edges are lined with black glazed cotton. All stitching is by hand and the edges are turned and finished.