Altarworthy has created a luminous hand-tailored brocatelle (silk-linen) in antiquated look with an incredible medieval Italian motif in the Borromeo style. The trim is in blue with a golden floral pattern. In the pattern of the rich fabric two animals emerge: a lion and a bird.
The lion symbolizes Christ and the tribe of Judah. The Medieval bestiaries say that the lion sleeps with its eyes open: "Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." Psalm 121:4.
The open beak of the bird also represents watchfulness -- as it is the rooster who keeps vigil to the east proclaiming every rising sun, awaiting the coming of Christ.
The Altarworthy site can be seen here. Their work is most impressive.
The "Borromeo" chasuble is one of their many offerings, seen below, modeled after a late sixteenth century style popular in the Duchy of Milan during the life of St. Charles Borromeo, the Archbishop of the See of Milan. Readers may notice there are different cuts of this style, with some slight variations.
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| Borromeo cut chasuble |
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| Borromeo cut chasuble with other chasuble styles |
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