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 Williams Sonoma Printemps Quilted Boutis Table Runner $39.99 Time Remaining: 29d 17h 26m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 WILLIAMS SONOMA Scallop Leaf Boutis CHAIR PADS Cushions Quilted Rose Set 2 NEW $29.95 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 39m Buy It Now for only: $49.95 |
 Williams Sonoma Red Autumn Boutis Style Leaf pattern Quilted Tablecloth 70 x 90 $50.00 Time Remaining: 15d 11h 6m Buy It Now for only: $50.00 |
 WILLIAMS SONOMA BOUTIS QUILT TABLECLOTH 70X70 Square Dijon Mustard Provence NEW $99.99 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 52m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 Williams Sonoma Grape Scallop Boutis Table Runner 16 x 90 NWT Quilted Red $68.99 Time Remaining: 12d 10h 49m Buy It Now for only: $68.99 |
 Blue Ocean Waters Scallop Shell Reversible Quilted Boutis Placemats Set of 4 $28.88 Time Remaining: 12d 13h 1m Buy It Now for only: $28.88 |
Boutis Quilted
Take comfort and be on trend with timeless pieces in 'Boutis', historically embroidered to carry a message of luck, happiness and prosperity
In these perilous economic times, take comfort and be on trend with timeless pieces and textures which echo simpler, happier times. Whether you are re-styling your bedroom or sourcing the perfect wedding gift, take a look at the intriguing heritage and decorative products crafted from ‘Boutis'. Traditional Boutis is a unique, quilted fabric, usually cotton, which historically was worked on both sides by expert fingers embroidering carefully chosen symbolic motifs such as hearts, animals and flowers to carry a message of happiness, luck and prosperity. Boutis takes its name from the special needle which was originally used for the delicate embroidery work, in which a layer of filling is inserted between two layers of cotton sewn together. This decorative technique gives a ‘relief' effect to Boutis pieces and adds substance, literally and metaphorically, as well as rich texture.
The decorative art which is Boutis originated in Sicily in the Middle Ages and travelled to France, where it became a popular decorative art. The heritage of Boutis is now strongly anchored in the customs and fashion of the women of the Provence region. Boutis pieces were considered precious and not intended for every day use, but reserved for wedding trousseaus, births or baptisms and are now considered almost as Provencal artistic heirlooms.
The artistic needlework of this traditional technique has been revived and is alive today through classes, exhibitions and books as well as through the result of refining and blending this historical craftsmanship with modern technology. Fou Furnishings has sourced beautifully crafted timeless pieces in Boutis, a richly textured bedspread with matching cushion covers, in a soft cream, edged with ribbon. Made with 100% organic cotton, from long staple Egyptian yarn, woven, dyed and finished in Italy, echoing its original roots and today certified by the UK Soil Association. The dye used to colour the fabric is of vegetable origin and all treatments used in the finishing process are biodegradable.
Visit Fou Furnishings' website at http://www.foufurnishings.com to find out more about the intriguing decorative art, which is Boutis.
About the Author
Stephanie McIntosh