This piece of textile once formed part of a Christian church ornament called a corporal case. The corporal is a white linen cloth on which the consecrated bread (the Host) is placed on the altar during the mass. The case is used to carry the cloth and make sure that it remains pure and clean. Small spots of wax on the surface of the embroidery reveal why a case was necessary protection at a time when candles were used to light the altar.
This example is made in red silk (in a satin weave) and is richly embroidered in silver-gilt thread and in coloured silk in a design typical of the period. It is glued to a plain white linen backing to keep it rigid, and was originally sewn to a matching back to create a case. Remnants of the narrow silver-gilt braid that went around the edge of the case are visible on the lower right hand corner. In the centre of the design is the sacred monogram IHS, the Greek letters for Jesus Christ. The richness of the embroidery and materials was suitable for this important use, and probably matched the other ornaments or vestments used during the celebration of mass.