Preliminary identification

Cash's of Coventry Jacquard Woven Silk Picture, 'Mute Swan & Cygnets'

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This finely detailed miniature artwork is a Jacquard woven silk picture depicting a mute swan swimming alongside four young cygnets among willow leaves. Produced by the historic English textile firm J. & J. Cash of Coventry, it showcases intricate woven threadwork carrying the woven 'Cash's' signature in the lower right corner.

Story

Founded in 1846 by two Quaker brothers, Cash's mastered Jacquard looms to weave complex, painterly scenes from thousands of delicate silk threads. What looks like a watercolor or embroidery is actually high-precision Victorian loom engineering.

Maker / Origin

J. & J. Cash Ltd. was founded in Coventry, England, in 1846 by brothers John and Joseph Cash. Coventry was the heart of the British ribbon-weaving trade, and Cash's pioneered the production of woven name tapes, souvenir ribbons, and detailed silk pictures. Their woven wildlife and botanical series became cherished collector's items throughout the 20th century.

Condition & Value

The woven silk picture appears vibrant with clean threadwork, no obvious staining or fading, and remains attractively framed and double-matted. Good preservation of color directly enhances display appeal and maintains standard secondary market value. Cash's woven wildlife pictures are popular entry-level British textile collectibles.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Your first full report is on us.

See sold comps, value drivers, and where to sell. One complimentary report, no card required.

Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
  • ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.