This is a very typical Japanese "fish" table linen with "KOI CARP" variation design. They were extremely popular in France around the middle of the 20th Century , but lost their popularity and were put back into the large armoires. This particular table linen has never been used nor have the 12 napkins which measure 40cm x 40cm. The embroidery is still as vibrant and colourful as when it was embroidered with blues, reds, browns and greens, The top has been very cleverly designed with 8 large circles. In between are the empty spaces to put the faïence ( plates) and thus these do not cover any design. The centre rectangular piece has 8 smaller circles covered with a single red rose. The borders have rose designs and each corner has a large design with 3 koi carps and again a rose. The 12 napkins have just a small red rose design and the edgings are scalloped and so is the table linen. It is a particularly decorative design and ideal for decking the table when you serve starters and main course with fish. But equally perfect for other festivities and so original. PLEASE NOTE; Before using the table linen we would suggest to refresh as it is slightly "grubby " at the top after all those years in the cupboard.