Unknown Maker, French

This dado—or border for the base of a wall—features many layers of design and printing. It includes flocking, a technique in which dyed and chopped wool fibers are glued to the surface. Originally developed to mimic the plush look of textiles, flocking gives wallpapers a velvety texture. That depth is further enhanced here by the distemper paint printed on top of the flocking, a technique known as repiquage.