The Abegg-Stiftung's collection of white linen damasks ranks amongst the foremost in the world after the acquisition of the C.A. Burgers & J.G. du Preez collection. With tablecloths, banquet napkins, handtowels, and napkins, it covers a wide range of patterns, including heraldic and historical motifs, biblical and mythological stories, flowers, hunting scenes, views of towns, etc. With emphasis on heraldic motifs all such patterns feature in this catalogue. Coats of arms were woven into linen damasks from the early sixteenth century onwards, either as the sole motif or incorporated into an existing pattern. Occasionally clients also had their names and a date woven in. Most of this napery originates from weaving centres in the Southern and Northern Europe, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, and Russia.