[466] The carpets used by the Romans were called Triclinaria Babylonica, for the use of the triclinium, and Polymata cubicularia, for the cubiculum. These were dyed crimson, scarlet, and purple. See Horace’s Satires, ii. 6; also Smith’s “Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities,” s.v. Tapes., p. 102-106, Triclinium.
[467] “Marco Polo,” p. 92, ed. Yule, speaking of the ladies of Caramania in the thirteenth century, says they produced exquisite needlework on silk stuffs of divers colours, with figures of birds, beasts, trees, and flowers. They worked hangings for the noblemen’s use, as well as cushions, pillows, quilts, and all sorts of things.
[468] Lampridius (“Antonin. Heliogab.” cap. xxvi. see Bock, p. 129) says, in the life of Heliogabalus, that table-covers were embroidered for the emperor, representing the dishes which were to be placed upon them at the festal table of this epicure.
[469] See the screen on the Assyrian bas-relief in the British Museum, placed round the back of the throne on which the king is seated. This is apparently a frame on which hangings are fixed.
[470] See inventory Of Henry VIII.’s goods, &c., I. Ed. VI. (Bib.) Harl. 1419, quoted by Felix Summerley in his “Handbook of Hampton Court.”
[471] I would add, “except that which is consecrated by time or sentiment.”