Introduction This collection of textiles is a source of inspiration for contemporary creations. East and West are the two poles of the Museum collections. Coptic tapestries, Sassanid Persian textiles, Byzantine and Muslim fabrics, Asia Minor carpets reflect the very essence of the history of Oriental civilisations. Sicily and the Italian Republics played a major role in the origin of silk weaving in Europe, soon followed by the quick development of the French silk production. Lyons production is given pride of place with ornamentists such as Pillement, Philippe de Lasalle or Dugourc. In the nineteenth century, important Imperial and Royal commissions helped revive silk industry in Lyons. The high level of craftsmanship goes on well into the nineteenth century with the collaboration of talented designers such as Raoul Dufy and Sonia Delaunay.