Band, Medium: silk on linen Technique: embroidered in back and counted stem stitches on plain weave; woven tape with weft fringe attached, Symmetrical design of curving branched with acanthus leaves, each branch forming a large horizontal S-shape. One end of each branch turns into a grimacing beast whose tongue is being grasped by a standing winged cupid. The positive space in the design is the natural linen foundation; the negative space is solidly worked yellow silk long-legged cross-stitch. The design is outlined and accented by blue silk outline stitch, and there is a short thick blue and yellow silk fringe on three sides., Italy, 16th century, embroidery & stitching, Band