Hermès silk square “Early America

Model history :

Originally designed in 1970 without characters, Early America was reissued in 1979 with the addition of George and Lady Washington. This composition by Françoise de La Perrière is part of a series of Hermès creations from the 1970s in which folkloric inspiration and historical references combine to create motifs rich in meaning. The model has undergone several re-editions in silk and cashmere-silk, but remains sought-after in its original version with characters.

Details :

The square features a lavender-blue background with an outer border of cut gold foliage, populated by silhouettes of domestic and wild animals: cats, dogs, squirrels and birds. In the four corners, starry rosettes evoke traditional quilts. The interior narrative frame features fox-hunting horsemen to the north and south, while emblematic animals such as bears, bison and fallow deer are depicted to the east and west, in a naive style with painted wood-like cracks.

The central scene features a crown of ten stylized peacocks in shades of turquoise and jade green, alternating positions and forming a symmetrical pattern. At the heart, a square medallion edged in gold features portraits of George Washington in a green frock coat and tricorn, and Martha Washington in a striped peach dress.

Product condition :

The square is in very good condition for a piece from this period. The silk retains its brilliance, the colors are well preserved without fading, and the hand-rolling is even, slightly flattened in places, with no pulled threads or visible stains.

Maintenance tips :

It is advisable to entrust the cleaning of this square to a dry-cleaning specialist for antique textiles, to preserve the vibrancy of the pigments and the texture of the silk twill. Low-temperature ironing on the reverse side, using a protective cloth, will maintain its brilliance without altering the patterns.

Why choose this product?

This Hermès Early America square is a rare textile testimony steeped in history, combining craftsmanship and homage to American folklore. Its design by Françoise de La Perrière, its harmonious colors and its rich iconography make it a relevant choice for any vintage silk lover wishing to acquire an aesthetically pleasing and significant piece, difficult to find in this condition and edition.