Imperial linen table linen from Leitner Leinen

Description

“Imperial”

Imperial – stately, imperial, representative. With this design, Leitner Leinen takes us into the world of the European High Baroque, the era between the 17th and 18th centuries in which courtly power manifested itself in ornamental splendor. In the Habsburg Empire under Maria Theresa, in the residences of Schönbrunn and the Hofburg, a dining culture developed that inseparably combined ceremonial and aesthetics. Acanthus leaves, stylized calyxes and voluminous tendrils – the design language that shaped architecture and textiles alike – are found in full opulence in the Imperial pure linen. The pattern takes up space without being overwhelming. It asserts itself on the table without being obtrusive. The Imperial tablecloth quotes a cultural tradition in which the table became the setting for courtly ceremonial.

European organic linen

Linen for the table is a material with a long courtly tradition. Even in the Baroque era, finely woven linen was considered an expression of refinement. The linen fiber combines properties that predestine it for table use: Its smooth surface initially repels liquids and offers protection before a stain can penetrate. At the same time, linen is highly absorbent as soon as the fiber is soaked – a property that makes napkins functional. The natural smoothness creates the cool, firm feel that gives tablecloths their characteristic drape. Linen is naturally antistatic and bacteriostatic – properties that make it particularly suitable for contact with food. The fiber does not weaken with use, but becomes more supple. Linen develops a patina, not wear and tear. Tablecloths made from European organic linen become softer over time without losing their structural strength. The GOTS certificate guarantees that no chemical bleaching agents, synthetic pesticides or optical brighteners are used from cultivation to finishing.

The Weaving Mill

Since 1853 the Leitner Manufaktur in Vöcklabruck, Austria, has been weaving linen according to the principles that can only be maintained through continuity in craftsmanship. Imperial is produced in an elaborate jacquard linen weave – a process in which the pattern is not printed on, but worked directly into the fabric structure. Each acanthus leaf, each floral volute is an integral part of the fabric itself. The Jacquard technique, developed in the early 19th century by Joseph-Marie Jacquard, enables complex patterns to be created by individually controlling each individual warp thread. The result is a relief-like fabric in which patterned and unpatterned areas are not only visually but also haptically distinct from one another. Leitner Manufaktur works with mechanical looms whose precision lies in the fact that they do not smooth out the natural irregularity of the linen fibers, but rather absorb it. This results in fabrics with a characteristic liveliness that industrial uniformity cannot reproduce.

The product

Imperial is available as a tablecloth and napkin. The fabric consists of 100 percent European pure linen in an elaborate jacquard linen weave. The color palette comprises nine shades and ranges from classic white to the pastel softness of Sakura and the cool nuances of Lago, Delft Blue and Arctic Blue. The earthy tones of Linen, Terra and Stone convey warm restraint, while Granite, the darkest tone in the range, adds a depth that supports prestigious settings. Each color scheme can be combined with porcelain as well as with stoneware or contemporary tableware. Imperial is a tablecloth for occasions where the table needs to be more than just a surface.

✓ 100% European pure linen
✓ Elaborate jacquard linen weave with baroque pattern
✓ Available as a tablecloth and napkin
✓ 11 colors: White, Sakura, Lago, Delft Blue, Arctic Blue, Linen, Terra, Stone, Granite, Anthracite, Purple
✓ GOTS-certified
✓ Woven in the Leitner Manufaktur, Ulrichsberg (Austria)

Care Instructions

Linen table linen can withstand temperatures up to 60 degrees, white qualities up to 95 degrees. Washing temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees are gentle on the fibers. Do not use detergents with optical brighteners – they bleach out the color pigments. Do not overfill the machine: linen needs freedom of movement. Spin at 800 to a maximum of 1,000 revolutions and remove the laundry slightly damp. Iron on the highest setting as long as there is still residual moisture. Linen loves heat and moisture – this is the only way to completely smooth out the fibers. Avoid the tumble dryer. Treat stains from red wine or coffee immediately with cold water – the smooth linen fibers release stains more easily when they react quickly.