Siena Palio Pantera Flag Bearer, Vintage Rapisardi Hand Towel

Vintage Rapisardi linen hand towel featuring the Contrada della Pantera flag bearer from the Siena Palio, hand embroidered in Italy.

A proud Pantera alfieri (flag bearer) stands in full festival costume with his banner. The embroidery is beautifully worked and richly textured, the design drawing on the pageantry of Siena’s historic contrade and their centuries-old Palio horse race. Rapisardi often incorporated Italian regional traditions into her pieces—the Palio motifs are among the most distinctive.

Excellent condition, likely unused. Hand laundered, clean and bright, with a light antique patina.

15 x 22 inches.

* Last photo shows the group of Siena Palio towels available at time of listing; each is offered separately.