This vibrant gouache on paper is an original hand-painted artwork created for textile design in France, dating to circa 1910. Spanning 14 inches by 12 inches (36 cm x 30 cm) on a larger 18.5-inch by 24-inch sheet, this piece originates from the prestigious archive of Bianchini Férier. Based in Lyon, this printing house was a cornerstone of European fashion, collaborating with legendary couturiers such as Poiret, Chanel, and Dior. The artwork reflects the company's tradition of high-level artistry, famously seen in the works of staff artists like Raoul Dufy, and remains in good condition with minor marks and numbering that denote its history as a working studio document.
The composition features a sophisticated ethnic rug-style border rendered in a vivid, deep color palette. The design is built upon a complex geometric lattice of interlocking diamonds and stepped T-shapes, reminiscent of Caucasian or Anatolian weaving traditions. The palette is dominated by rich plum-purple, electric blue, and dusty rose, accented with ochre-gold and teal. Every element is meticulously outlined, showcasing the precision required for high-end fabric printing. The top and bottom of the central field are finished with intricate decorative friezes, illustrating how the pattern would repeat and transition as a finished border for a shawl or garment.