Vintage and Antique Linens by Em's Heart
Antique Society Silk Embroidered Centerpiece
Sampler with 14 Botanical Forms
Item Number D26806
The society silk style of embroidery began as a past time in England long before it came to America. For some women it eventually became a way to earn a living from home. Perhaps the original American cottage industry, fine silk embroideries could be produced at home and then sold as lots to linen houses for sale in a wider market. "Society silk" is a popular reference to the Royal Society of Embroidery that produced the silk floss, embroidery patterns and promoted the cottage industry of embroidery of finer pieces. Additionally, they promoted embroidery "clubs" that fostered friendly competition between members to produce the finest work. This glorious piece of embroidery came from that period and represents the very best of technique, materials and design.
The maker of this piece sought to demonstrate her knowledge of the Kensington stitch which used layers, directionality and fine gradations of shade to achieve the botanical realism we have come to so thoroughly admire....this is a rare society silk embroidery sampler...
My photographs did not do this piece justice -- The silk shading on each botanical form is much finer and more detailed than shown below. I counted 14 forms, including the vivid carnation, daisies, and a rose with a falling petal...so charming. The creamy white linen is very fine and shows a wee bit of age, shown below, that does not detract at all. There is an additional very, very faint fold line, as seen (barely) in the photos. This is a fabulous piece for the serious collector of society silk embroidery. Freshly laundered and pressed, in excellent condition as described. c.1890 - 1910 19" round
Item Sold
Antique society silk embroidered sampler doily centerpiece
