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 3 'Society Silk' doilies in red tones, wonderful for Christmas.
1st doily is on fine off-white linen with fly type stitch in swirls,
2nd Red holly berries, with green foliage and copper toned edges, hand embroidered on heavy pale beige linen.
3rd is grape leaves and red grapes, with a pale ecru ground, with a pale satin stitch decorative edge.
see all photos - business card is a reference to size.
One Excellent, two in Good Vintage Condition - 1st doily has 3 teeny holes in one area. 2nd has no issues. 3rd has a large stain with a faint mark - have not tried to clean.
Measurements; 1st = 26cm diameter or 10 2/8 inches diameter
2nd = 26.5cm x 26cm or 10.5" x 10 2/8"
3rd = 32cm x 20cm or 12 5/8" x 8"
Such amazing work from a bygone era, these are possibility over 100 years old!
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"
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 23/06/23
Hearts-desires.com 23/6/23
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!
