Whilst researching a project today I found myself browsing the London Victoria and Albert museum website.
Some great inspiration can be found in the textiles collection, which contains 1120 online images of textiles covering a period of more than 2000 years. Most techniques are represented, including woven, printed and embroidered textiles, lace, tapestries and carpets.
I was particularly taken by the fragments of buddhist ritual banners. These banners were carried aloft hooked on a staff, or fluttering from the tops of stupa. Lovely, delicate and decayed scraps of silk discovered in Dunhuang, China.
If you get a chance to visit them in person its well worth the trip – if not the online collection is fantastic.

© Victoria and Albert Museum, London
I was inspired to have a play with the pieces – they reminded me of little houses, and here is what I came up with in 10 minutes..

© Victoria and Albert Museum, London
I must point out that the images in the V&A collection are NOT for any kind of commercial use, I am not promoting their use, and are shown here for interest and inspiration only. More info on their terms here
