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Often called "bizarre" silks, textiles with exotic patterns of fanciful flowers were created in France in the late 17th to early 18th century and were inspired by imported Asian wares, such as Chinese porcelains, Japanese lacquers and Indian painted and printed textiles.  These asymmetrical patterns, characteristic of the late Baroque and Rococo periods, were woven into bold and vibrant dress materials intended for affluent consumers.  Sumptuous metallic thread, a costly detail employed to entice a fashionable clientele, often highlighted the multi-colored designs.  Each new color was introduced through an individual weft, or horizontal thread.

In this later example of "bizarre" silk, the vegetation is still exotic but has been executed more realistically.  Typical of early 18th century works, the palette is also far brighter, more varied and livelier.