Brocade Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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brocade
[broสหkeษชd ]
Definition
fabric type
Brocade is a heavy fabric that is often adorned with intricate patterns, typically woven into the material using threads of gold, silver, or other contrasting colors. Historically, it has been used to create luxurious garments, upholstery, and curtains. The use of brocade dates back to ancient times, and it is associated with wealth and status due to the costly materials and labor required for its production. This fabric has a rich texture and is often characterized by its raised designs.
Synonyms
damask, ornamental fabric, satinet, tapestry.
Examples of usage
- Her wedding dress was made of beautiful brocade.
- The brocade cushions added elegance to the living room.
- He wore a brocade waistcoat to the formal event.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Significance
- During the Renaissance, brocade was favored by nobility and used extensively for garments and home decor, symbolizing wealth and status.
- In 17th-century Europe, brocade became synonymous with royal attire, often worn by kings and queens during ceremonial occasions.
- Brocade was historically made using hand-weaving techniques, making it a labor-intensive process, highly valued in ancient cultures.
Cultural Impact
- Various cultures have their own brocade traditions, such as the elaborate patterns found in silk brocade of India, known as 'Banarasi brocade.'
- In modern fashion, designers often use brocade to evoke luxury, with its striking patterns making appearances on runways.
- Brocade fabrics are frequently used in theater costumes to reflect opulence and grandeur in storytelling.
Artistry
- The art of creating brocade involves complex weaving techniques that require a skilled artisan's touch, ensuring unique designs.
- Brocade often features floral and ornate patterns, making it popular in baroque and rococo styles of art and architecture.
- Some contemporary artists have incorporated brocade into mixed media projects, expanding its application beyond fabric into visual art.
Modern Use
- Today, brocade is used not just in clothing but also in furniture upholstery, curtains, and even wallpaper, adding a touch of elegance.
- Some contemporary fashion lines have embraced eco-friendly practices by using recycled fibers to create modern versions of brocade.
- While traditional brocade might use silk, modern variations can include polyester and other materials, making it more accessible.
Origin of 'brocade'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Italian word 'broccato', which means 'to prick' and refers to how patterns are created by raised threads.
- The word has Latin roots, with 'broccus' meaning 'projecting' or 'sticking out,' reflecting the textured nature of this fabric.
- Brocade originally referred to silk fabrics with intricate designs, primarily popular in the Byzantine Empire.
The term 'brocade' is derived from the Italian word 'broccato', which itself comes from the Latin word 'broccus', meaning 'to protrude' or 'to stick out'. This reflects the raised designs that characterize brocade fabric. The use of brocade can be traced back to ancient cultures in the East, particularly in China, where it was crafted from silk and often embellished with gold and silver threads. As trade routes developed, brocade fabric made its way to Europe during the Renaissance, where it became a popular choice among the aristocracy for clothing and drapery. Its association with opulence and luxury continued into the modern era, where it is still appreciated in fashion and interior design. The craftsmanship involved in creating brocade has made it a specialty item, often found in high-end boutiques and used for ceremonial purposes.