I have been collecting these stunning pieces of Society Silk Embroidery for many years, and I have gone through my 'stash' to find some to share with you :)
I have put together some information about Society Silk ~ see below :)
I have for sale a fabulous panel in 'Society Silk', with the most amazing Purple toned Violets overflowing from a woven basket, an Ivory bow to the top of the handle - so very pretty and effective xx
This wonderful piece of history is heavily and skilfully hand embroidered using tight neat stitches, on an Ivory fine quality linen. The work is just so neat, and the reverse is very neat too - just outstanding :)
Just ready to be framed or a small cushion front - whatever you want :)
see all photos - business card is a reference to size.
Excellent Vintage Condition - I can see no damage to the magnificent hand embroidery, a small spot, and very faint marks around the edges where it was once framed? - unbelievable - your lucky day :)
Amazing work from such a talented needleworker to have made this exquisite piece of history xx
It is in such amazing condition considering its age - possibility over 100 years old! wow - the work is superb with so much detail.
Note; "The silk thread used to embroider these linens was marketed as colour-fast, but great care should be taken in washing these delicate linens".
I have not washed this wonderful piece, as I feel any marks etc is its history :)
Measurements; full linen = 34cm x 30.5cm or 13 3/8" x 12 inches
Embroidery = 20.5cm x 18cm or 8" x 7 1/8 inches
Information on Society silk
This style of hand embroidery (also called Art Embroidery, Silk Art Embroidery, Needle painting, Painted Embroidery, and Silk Work) started in the England, but was taken up with huge enthusiasm in America, and soon became a uniquely American phenomenon from 1888 to 1915. Society silk embroidery developed as a hobby, almost an art-form, in the early 1900s; its name derived from its favour among "Society" Ladies.
The silk thread was available in hundreds of colours to allow for subtle shading on petals and leaves, and in different thicknesses. The most outstanding characteristic of silk embroidery is its very detailed shading and colours. One flower can have six or seven different shades of a single colour, creating an expertly represented floral specimen. The style is characterised by highly detailed, finely shaded, botanically correct Flora’s with foliage. Florals, botanicals, foliage and fruits—particularly strawberries—were the most common subjects. Roses, violets and carnations are the flowers most often seen in silk embroidery.
Since it spanned the Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau movements, elements of both those styles are often seen in the patterns. Art nouveau combined flowing ribbons and naturalistic themes. Roses, violets, carnations and foliage were popular. Exceptions to the "soft and subtle" rule are the bright red strawberries or holly pieces that occasionally appear.
Most pieces are silk embroidery on linen. Occasionally, you will find a silk or cotton base fabric. Although many stitches were used, the most characteristic was a completely filled-in version of the Kensington or long-and-short stitch, which allowed gradual colour shading for extraordinarily realistic effects.
Although the silk was advertised as colourfast, collectors should handle these pieces with care. A gentle hand wash in cold water with a very mild soap usually is all that’s needed. Remember that many of these pieces are more than a century old!
Ref; Lynda Kolski www.worthpoint.com 23/02/24
Hearts-desires.com 23/2/24
Pressed and ready to use :)
Overseas buyers must pay via PayPal.
Keep watching as I will be listing lots more Vintage Linen and treasures in the days/weeks to come :)
See my other listings for more great items!
Please pay as soon as you purchase a 'Buy it now' item, when auction ends or within 3 days, or email if you need more time or to confirm payment method.
OVERSEAS BUYERS CAN ONLY PAY BY PayPal.
Australian buyers PayPal preferred. If using bank deposit or direct transfer use your eBay user id ( eBay name) as the reference, and email me via eBay to let me know :) Items will be posted when payment clears (depending on your bank - it can take a couple of days).
Most items are I sell are used, second-hand, antique or vintage. I'm not an expert, but every effort is made to describe items accurately. I list all faults that I am aware of, but please be aware that most vintage items have age related wear and tear. I'm happy to answer any questions. Please email me in plenty of time before the auction ends.
Please look at the photos carefully as they form part of my description. Payment is required within 3 days of auction finishing, or email me if you need more time - communication is the key!! :) If I don't hear from you or have payment, then I will put an unpaid item claim with eBay, and you will have a strike against you! ...I am a small business and really do not have the time or money to waste on people that buy then don't pay! ~ as I am always out of pocket!
(sorry if this sounds harsh but it is true!)
I LOVE TO COMBINE SHIPPING AND SAVE YOU MONEY!!!
- Just send an email and I will wait until you are finished shopping before sending a combined invoice :)
All care is taken to pack items safely but, I cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to items, after they have been posted. Registered post for all buyers recommended (sign for on delivery) - send an email if you want this service :)
Contact Me
Please email me if you need further information before placing your bid. I will always try to get back to you asap ~ but I do work and have a family, so please be patient ~ Also the different time zones don't help :)
About me :)
I am married to a wonderful man and have two gorgeous children, I work and run this small business ~ so busy :) We live out of town on a few acres, looking out on rolling green hills - Bliss :) I try to post the same day or next day after payment has cleared ~ I don't post on week-ends.
I am obsessed with collecting Vintage Textiles and other interesting Treasures ~ this has been a lifelong interest of mine. "I find these gorgeous 'Vintage Linen Treasures', and bring them 'Back to Life' just for you". Embroidery work is such a lost art ~ it is not as common as it was in our Grandmothers days, and to the standard they were taught as part of 'getting ready to run their own homes'. I think about the person who has spent so many hours making such beautiful creations ~ it truly is a lost art. These gorgeous 'Linen Treasures' are getting very hard to find! ~ so I gather them to offer to you :) They are washed and lightly pressed, ready to use in your home, gift or your own collection :)
Enjoy!! :)
