This heraldic tapestry was originally woven at the Royal Gobelins Manufactory in Paris in the late 19th century, and depicts a noble jousting tournament from the end of the 15th Century. In the Middle Ages, mock battles called tournaments or jousts became fashionable in Europe. They started as a means of training knights for battle and later became spectacular festivals, sometimes lasting for weeks, with a colourful display of heraldry and banners. Such tournaments became popular at the Courts of King Ren? of Anjou and the Dukes of Burgundy as they had been previously at the Royal Courts of England and France. The aim of the contest was for each knight to knock his opponent off his horse; jousting armour was heavier and stronger than battle armour and horses were protected under their heraldic coats. Here Knights and their Ladies descend to the Jousting Arena, observed from the balcony by the King and the members of the Royal Court. This beautiful tapestry is woven on a jacquard loom by skilled weavers, keeping alive the centuries old tradition of tapestry manufacturing from generation to generation. This tapestry is fully lined incorporating a sleeve along the top for hanging with a Hines hanging rod. Alternatively, this tapestry can be hung with a wooden batten which is a concealed method of hanging. Composition: 95% cotton, 5% polyester Finish on reverse: This tapestry is fully backed with luxury cotton lining incorporating a sleeve along the top for hanging purposes.