Charming piece of early embroidery. It could be framed or made into a cushion.
Of rectangular shape, the centre diamond with a central rose surrounded by four flower heads at the corners interspersed with baskets containing smaller flowers, surrounded by interlaced strapwork, flanked to the sides by medallions containing birds sitting on grape branches, half medallions to centre top and bottom with smaller birds and flower sprays, the corners with sprays of flowers and leaves, using crimson, mid blue and green, yellow, mauve on a crimson ground, all in silk cross stitch, lined in fine crimson silk.
21 x 28 in; 53 x 72 cm
The whole piece is slightly on the slant, from when it was embroidered. This could be straightened if the piece was made into a cushion or chair covering. The silk backing is slightly torn and you can see the colours to the front of the embroidery are unfaded. There is wear particularly to the crimson silk ground, whre the silk has rubbed off with age exposing the canvas. There is also some wear to other areas. This could be restored. I can send detailed photos of each section.
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