opus anglicanum

/ ˈəʊpəs æŋɡlɪˈkɑːnəm /

noun

fine embroidery, esp of church vestments, produced in England c. 1200– c. 1350; characterized by the rich materials used, esp silver gilt thread

Latin: English work

These are some of the characteristics of the opus Anglicanum.

The term “opus Anglicanum” is first recorded in the thirteenth century, and is supposed simply to mean “English work.”

For further notice of the “opus Anglicanum,” see chapter (ante) on ecclesiastical embroideries.

Chain stitch was dignified by the Latin name opus anglicanum.

Much of the embroidery is raised, and wrought in the stitch known as Opus Anglicanum.

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