Small early/mid 19th century linen and silk work sampler. Though undated, the style of stitch work would indicate this piece dates to c.1840 or slightly earlier. Worked by an anonymous hand, this little sampler is just stunning with fine quality stitch work throughout. The upper section of the linen is stitched with a central lion to the top edge with a fruit basket and bird in flight to his left and right and a fruit tree below which has a rose, tall floral motif and star to either side. The middle section of the linen is stitched with a central strawberry bush with a floral motif to each side of its lowest fruits followed by a carnation bowl, each with a bird standing nearby, both birds with a floral motif and bird above them. The lower section of the linen is stitched with an expanse of grass running across the bottom edge with a central flower basket flanked by a small tree, fruit tree and dog, both dogs with a crown above them
The linen has overall discolouration consistent with its age with several small areas of damage. One is able to see through these that the sampler is sitting on a backing cloth. The sampler is behind glass so I'm not able to see the reverse, but the colours of the silks appear good though they are likely to have mellowed to some extent over the years. The sampler is contained within a mid/late 20th century bird's eye maple frame with gilt slip, both of which are in very good condition.
Measures 7 1/4" x 9 1/4" (sight size) and 11 1/4" x 13 1/4" including the frame.
I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO MENTION THAT I HAVE USED A NEW CAMERA TO TAKE THESE PHOTOGRAPHS AND I AM STRUGGLING WITH THE COLOUR BALANCE (something I'm STILL working on!!) AS SUCH, SOME OF MY PHOTOS HAVE A SLIGHTLY FIERY OR YELLOWISH LOOK TO THEM WHICH IS NOT THE CASE, IT'S JUST MY INCOMPETENCE!