Part of a Chasuble

Although missing the central decorative band, these two velvet panels embroidered with angels and thistles originally formed part of the back of an ecclesiastical chasuble. The term opus anglicanum, or English work, refers to English embroidery dating from the 1100s through the 1500s, like this example. Made primarily in embroidery guilds in London, it was in great demand for royal and ecclesiastical garments and furnishings throughout Europe.