Hof der dingen - Cloth seal

In the Middle Ages, the County of Flanders was one of the richest and most urbanised regions in all of Europe—thanks to its thriving cloth industry. Major cities such as Ypres, Bruges, and Kortrijk, as well as smaller towns like Poperinge, Diksmuide, Aardenburg, Menen, and Nieuwkerke, all played their part in the making of fine cloth. 

To make cloth, you need wool. At first, it came mainly from sheep grazing along the coast. But from the 12th century onwards, the textile industry grew so rapidly that wool also had to be imported—from Scotland, Spain, and especially England. 

The cloth industry was initially concentrated in the County of Flanders, but soon spread across the rest of the Southern Netherlands. The craft guilds, through their contribution to the cities’ prosperity, were able to influence economic policy and secure political say. That was especially the case after the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302, when urban craftsmen allied themselves with the Count of Flanders in his struggle against the King of France. 

This cloth seal from Ypres is a relic of that flourishing industry. Lead seals were small, stamped pieces of lead attached to cloth to identify their origin, quality, and tax status during the medieval and early modern periods. These seals were crucial for trade and regulation, providing information about the cloth's manufacturer, place of origin, and whether taxes had been paid. 

When a piece of cloth was finished, it was marked with a lead seal as proof. This particular seal is still open—and thus unused. 

A contribution from the Yper Museum in Ypres.