Unicorn tapestries

Medieval image of a unicornThe myth of the unicorn has been with us since ancient China and is usually depicted as a large horse with a single horn projecting from the forehead. It has been represented in the art and writings of many ancient cultures throughout Asia and Europe. By medieval times Christian Europe had endowed the unicorn with many symbolic qualities, both religious and secular. As well as representing purity and chastity it was often seen as a symbol for Christ, despite its Pagan origins.

Once accepted into medieval Europe the unicorn quickly became an important element in art, including tapestries and textiles. The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, for example, represent the mythical beasts' relation with purity, as well as the myth that the unicorn could only be tamed by a virgin.

We have an excellent selection of unicorn tapestries that include A mons seul désir (To my sole desire) and the La Chasse de la Licorne (The hunt of the unicorn) series from the 16th century.

Due to their popularity there are any number of reproductions of unicorn wall tapestries, varying greatly in quality and adherence to the originals. Our range represents the very best selection of these compelling medieval wall hangings. For convenience we have organized them into 2 broad categories:

 

The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries

In total, there are 6 works in the Lady and the Unicorn tapestry series. Debate continues as to the exact meaning of the symbolism of each, however opinion generally agrees that five of the tapestries represent the human senses, with A mon seul désir (to my sole desire) representing love.

Le Goût (Taste)
Lady and the Unicorn tapestries

Price: $134.00 - $990.00
Product code: c16-s
Size options: 4

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L'Oderat (Smell)
Lady and the Unicorn tapestries

Price: $214.00 - $439.00
Product code: m45-s
Size options: 2

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L'Ouïe (Hearing)
Lady and the Unicorn tapestries

Price: $92.00 - $195.00
Product code: m19-s
Size options: 2

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Le Toucher (Touch)
Lady and the Unicorn tapestries

Price: $214.00 - $442.00
Product code: m49-s
Size options: 2

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La Vue (Sight)
Lady and the Unicorn tapestries

Price: $214.00 - $850.00
Product code: m47-s
Size options: 3

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A mon seul désir
Lady and the Unicorn tapestries

Price: $299.00 - $899.00
Product code: m18-s
Size options: 3

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Unicorn (detail)
Lady and the Unicorn tapestries

Price: $399.00
Product code: s24-s
Size options: 1

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Lion (detail)
Lady and the Unicorn tapestries

Price: $399.00
Product code: s68-s
Size options: 1

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Other Unicorn tapestries

As with the works above each unicorn tapestry below demonstrates the central role unicorns played in medieval art.

LiCorne a la Fontaine
Unicorn Tapestry

Price: $135.00 - $256.00
Product code: m14-s
Size options: 2

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LiCorne captive
Unicorn Tapestry

Price: $79.00 - $340.00
Product code: m35-s
Size options: 3

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LiCorne captive
Unicorn Tapestry

Price: $499.00
Product code: s67-s
Size options: 1

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Unicorns
Unicorn Tapestry

Price: $60.00 - $340.00
Product code: m85-s
Size options: 3

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The Rest of the Unicorn
Unicorn Tapestry

Price: $249.00
Product code: s227-s
Size options: 1

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The Unicorn
Unicorn Tapestry

Price: $99.00
Product code: s232-s
Size options: 1

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Unicorn
Unicorn Tapestry

Price: $92.00 - $348.00
Product code: m153-s
Size options: 3

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