"Treasures of the Royal Courts: Tudors, Stuarts and the Russian Tsars label text: \n\nBed valances\n1580\u20131600\n\nSets of bed hangings created an enclosed, private space within the bedrooms of palaces and grand houses. They were a focal point for luxurious decoration. The horizontal form of valances suited narratives that continued around the bed. These four valances show scenes of courtly life and stories from classical literature.\n\nEngland, Scotland or France\nLinen canvas, embroidered with wool and silk\nV&A T.135, 136-1991. Bequeathed by Maud Ochs\nV&A 879&A-1904 []\nBritish Galleries label text:\n\nBED VALANCES\n1580-1600\n\nValances were borders around the top of an Elizabethan bed. Their horizontal form created a frieze for narratives that were embroidered or woven. This pair shows two scenes from the myth of Adonis. One features his conception, resulting from the incestuous affair between Myrrah and Cinyras. The other shows his death while hunting.\n\nLinen canvas, embroidered with wool and silk\nEmbroidered in England, Scotland or France\n\nMuseum no. 879&A-1904 [10/06/2014]"@en . . . .