Since Hellenistic times, tapestries have been used as an item of home décor. However, this form of art underwent aesthetic advancement and attained new heights in Europe in the early fourteenth century AD. The first wave of production was initiated in Germany and Switzerland. Till today Arras, a region in France, is regarded to be the hub of specialised fine wool tapestries that mainly had religious themes.
In the 19th century, William Morris revived the art of tapestry making. Morris and Company created a successful series of tapestries for home and religious use. Thus it can be said with confidence that religious tapestry or religious wall hangings have been in use since long and have been treated as one of the best items to enhance the décor of your house.
A religious tapestry or religious wall hangings might either have a pagan or a Christian theme. The pagan explanation in a religious tapestry or religious wall hanging stresses on the medieval lore of wooing lovers, whereas Christian writings interpreted the unicorn and its death as the Passion of Christ. Christian writers have long acknowledged the unicorn as a symbol of Christ and this finds a niche place in religious tapestry.
Each religious tapestry is distinguished and exclusive. In fact, this religious wall hanging is a stylish solution to home décor. Thus, if you are a proud home owner who is looking forward to decorate your dining room table, look for a classy tapestry runner indicative of any themes, be it religious or medieval. The religious Tapestries can be used to drape the walls of your home as insulation in the months of winter, as well as for imparting a religious and holy look to your home.
The iconography of most Western tapestries is derived from the Bible, and Ovid's Metamorphoses. Apart from the religious and mythological images, hunting scenes are the theme of many religious tapestries that have been produced for interior ornamentation.
The Hunt of the Unicorn is a series of seven tapestries dating from 1495–1505. These religious tapestries now hang in The Cloisters. There is a similar set of tapestries called The Lady and the Unicorn series woven around the same period. These tapestries are located in the Musée National du Moyen Âge, (the Musee de Cluny,) in Paris.
The religious tapestry deals with pagan and Christian symbolism, whereas the medieval tapestry are installation of courtly sophistication with rich fabrics. On the other hand European tapestries depict the city and country, court, landscape as well as other themes.
For any person looking for a unique home décor, a religious tapestry can be a great idea as it will provide your house with a magical ambience. To shop for tapestries you can try out the online shops; the best among them undoubtedly is www.crofteuropeantapestries.com. This magical site with its wide variety of tapestry collection is sure to tantalise the viewer.