Opus Consutum

Example of opus consutum, England, 13th century. Example of opus consutum, England, 13th century.

Opus consutum is mentioned in thirteenth century documents and may be translated as 'sewn-together work'. It would refer to intarsia or inlaid appliqué. The term is again used from the late-nineteenth century for appliqué work, especially from the medieval period. The word is first attested by the Roman Catholic priest and ecclesiast, Daniel Rock (1799-1871).

See for an example of opus consutum the Needles entry on the fourteenth century North German Tristan hanging, now in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Another example is the Great Seal bag of Edward I, now in Westminster Abbey.

Digital source of illustration (retrieved 20 December 2016).

WV

Last modified on Sunday, 19 March 2017 19:57
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