Bonhams London Auction to Offer Rare 15th-Century Royal Heraldic Embroideries, Est. £200k-300k
The Facts
On April 30, 2026, Bonhams announced that a pair of important Late Medieval royal heraldic embroideries from the mid to late 15th century will be offered for the first time at auction at its Fine Decorative Arts sale on July 2, 2026, in London. The insignia panels, wrought in silver and gold thread and rich silks, each depict a three-towered castle within high walls, likely representing the Kingdom of Castile, with a crowned figure emerging from a tower. They carry an estimate of £200,000–300,000. Radiocarbon dating and silver testing date the embroideries to pre-1600, with technical and art historical evidence suggesting a date of 1460–1520.
The Signal
The embroideries are a rare survival from the period, combining Islamic imagery and English innovation, and may represent Castilian kings John II and Henry IV, whose lineage connects to John of Gaunt. The sale underscores the continuing demand for medieval textiles with royal provenance, and the estimate reflects the scarcity of such objects. For collectors, the lot offers a tangible link to 15th-century Iberian court culture, with the potential for competitive bidding given the historical resonance and the possibility of ceremonial use.
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- People: Oliver Cornish, Alfonso VIII, John II, Henry IV, John of Gaunt, Catherine of Lancaster
- Auction Houses: Bonhams
- Locations: London
- Prices: £200,000-300,000
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