In Focus

The Emperor's Green Pouch

from 8 January 2024

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After Charles V was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in Bologna on February 24, 1530, he ceremoniously entered Innsbruck on May 4. During his reception, he was presented with an unusual gift: a green knitted bag containing linen vocal books embroidered with silk and precious metal threads.

The pouch was recently conserved in the textile conservation department of the Kunstkammer. Before it returns to Ambras Castle Innsbruck, it is on display in Vienna for some weeks.

The condition of the object is characterized by loss of textile material, which is partly traced back to pest infestation. The numerous flaws have severely weakened the originally very stable structure and led to a considerable visual impairment. The aim of the restoration was to stabilize the object and protect it from further loss of substance. Flaws were to be closed and visually softened.

For the sewing conservation, suitably dyed tulle, crepeline and grège, particularly fine fabric and thread qualities made of pure silk, were used. After removing the coarse repair threads, it was possible to insert a layer of crepeline in the damaged areas and correctly align the loosened sections of the knitted outer fabric. The sewing technique as well as the fixation of the tulle to protect the sensitive surface were executed with a fine round pin. All steps were carried out in situ.