The large square stuffed pillows covered in maroon velvet with appliqued sections of antique Russian goldwork brocade, with modern gold-tone lace trim and large tassels to each corner, no openings to the pillows, stuffing contents unknown; accompanied by Hammer Galleries label and information packet.

20 x 20 inches approximately

From the Collection of a Southern Gentleman, Atlanta, Georgia

Beginning in the 1920s, American businessman Armand Hammer traveled extensively in Russia, collecting enormous amounts of art and decorative items that he brought back to the United States and sold to high-end retail stores such as Marshall Fields, and in his own Hammer Galleries, which opened in New York in 1928. Textiles were among the goods he collected from Russia, including rich examples of goldwork used in religious vestments. These pillows are made with fabric from the Hammer Collection.

Significant fraying and sections of loss, especially to secondary trim and to lower portions of applique elements; discoloration; tassels with gnaw marks to two beads and some loose threads.