Table cover

18th century

Rectangular linen table cover with the center panel embroidered in polychrome silks and an ivory drawn work border sewn to all four sides. The embroidery depicts a large "bicho" or beast in pink, blue and gold, suckling two small beasts, with a third small beast inside the mother beast; four small beasts are scattered around. In each corner, an owl with a gold face and a pink and blue checkered body, and at each side, a double-headed bird in gold and blue. In the center panel above and below the figures is an additional band of drawn work.