Rare 1871 Silk Banquet Menu – Antwerp Belgium – Ecclesiastical Jubilee Dinner – Printed on Silk.

Rare original silk banquet menu dated August 13, 1871.

This exceptional menu was printed on silk and created for a ceremonial dinner offered in honour of Monseigneur Anthonis, Auxiliary Bishop of Mechelen and Bishop of Constance, during the bicentenary jubilee celebrations of the Confrérie des XXXVI Saints.

The richly decorated design features:

hand-coloured heraldic elements
angels and ecclesiastical symbolism
elaborate Victorian ornamental borders
detailed French menu typography
Antwerp printer's imprint (Lith. C. Messens, Anvers)

The banquet took place on 13 August 1871 and included an elaborate multi-course menu featuring truffled poultry, salmon, beef, veal, lobster, game birds, desserts and fruit presentations.

Printed on silk rather than paper, this piece is both a rare example of 19th-century banquet ephemera and an attractive decorative textile object.

An exceptional collector's item for:

antique menu collectors
Belgian history enthusiasts
ecclesiastical memorabilia collectors
textile and silk ephemera collectors
Victorian decorative arts collections