A kind person has just told me that the tulips are probably Semper Augustus, the most costly variety during the 17th century tulip mania. It is what it is , is a favourite saying of mine, meaning a piece which is beautiuful but quite damaged. The embroidery in lovely colours, would look marvellous hanging in an old house. In order to hang this piece we could sew some linen applied with velcro to the top back, which attaches to a batten stapled with velcro. It could also be a table covering.
A cusped arch with large ribbon tied spray of tulips and jonquils, with pinks and other blossoms emerging from the sides, the other end with similar part design, all in deep pink, yellow, green/blue, coral, brown and ivory silks, a narrow gold braid seperating the centre from the deep borders worked in flame stitch in shades of green, yellow, blue and brown silks, 5ft 8 in x 3ft 6 in; 1.73 m x1.07 m
The central piece has been cut at some stage hence the design not being symmetrical, but this really does not matter, because the oldness and beauty of the design is delightful. It good be a good restoration piece for someone. Quite a few holes and damage. I will send you photos of the damage.
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