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Detail of handwoven Italian silk brocaded on silk with floral motif, c. 1730–50.—Courtesy of Scalamandre, New York City
Woven fabric having a raised floral or figured design that is introduced during the weaving process. The design, appearing only on the fabric face, is usually made in a satin or twill weave (seeweaving). The background may be twill, satin, or plain weave. The rich, fairly heavy fabric is frequently used for evening dresses, draperies, and upholstery.
This entry comes from Encyclopædia Britannica Concise. For the full entry on brocade, visit Britannica.com.