Date: 9th century

Place of Production: England.

Description: These pieces of embroidered material are believed to be the oldest extant Western European embroideries. Though they were identified as textiles made by Saints Relindis and Harlindis, two Frankish noble sisters from the convent of Aldeneik, it is now thought that they are of Anglo-Saxon English origin from some point in the ninth century. The eight pieces of embroidery, each about 90cm x 60cm, include highly ornamental decorative designs in multicoloured threads, with applied pearls and glass beads.

Held at: Treasury of the Parochiekerk Sint-Catharina, Maaseik

Image licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Image by Lelder15.