Bonhams to Auction Rare 15th-Century Royal Embroideries, Estimate £200,000-300,000
The Facts
A pair of Late Medieval Royal Heraldic Embroideries will appear at auction for the first time at Bonhams Fine Decorative Arts sale in London on July 2, 2026, with an estimate of £200,000-300,000. The panels, wrought in silver and gold thread and rich silks, each feature a three-towered castle representing the Kingdom of Castile and a crowned figure emerging from a tower. Radiocarbon dating places the embroideries between 1460 and 1520. Cataloguer Oliver Cornish described them as of 'great historical significance,' noting the blend of Islamic imagery and English craftsmanship. The embroideries may depict Castilian kings John II and Henry IV, reflecting a historical connection through John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.
The Signal
The embroideries represent an exceptionally rare survival from the medieval period, offering a tangible link to the courts of Castile and England. For collectors of medieval textiles and decorative arts, the pieces present a unique opportunity to acquire objects of both artistic and historical importance. The estimate reflects the rarity and scholarly value, and the auction may attract institutional interest as the market for early textiles continues to gain momentum.
- People: Oliver Cornish
- Auction Houses: Bonhams
- Locations: London
- Prices: £200,000-300,000
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