"Monogramme" Jacquard Table Napkin

The monogramme originated as a royal signature or seal, and currency with initials carved onto coins to mark the reign of a particular Roman or Greek ruler. In the Middle Ages, artisans began to use their monogramme initials to personalise their work, and in the Victorian era, monogrammes became a symbol of aristocracy.

Believing that monogramme letters marked on their table linen and cutlery was a sign of prestige, every upper class household boasted their own form of monogramme styles - embroidered monogramme letters for noblemen and simple personalized stamps for the lower classes.