Vintage and Antique Linens by Em's Heart
Antique Society Silk
Item Number T20805
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 embroidering 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.
I will not apologize for my femininity. I will wear pink.
(My husband exclaimed, "Wow! They can do amazing things with machine embroidery now!" Give him five minutes to tell you how much he regretted saying that about this piece.)
A society silk embroidery "primer" in linen and floss, with every stitch this piece reveals the excellence of both the maker and the style. A crisp, creamy antique linen centerpiece is hand embroidered with silk in a refreshingly natural border of roses in every stage of bloom, from bud to seed. The edge is richly embroidered and artfully designed with stitched jewels and three dimensional "carvings" -- a quality of depth achieved by careful changes of direction in the stitch. No detail was overlooked -- thorns, petals, upturned leaves. Even the cut stems are carefully shaded. Very minor age in the linen lawn is hardly noticeable, see below. Museum quality. Excellent condition, offered as found. c.1890 - 1920. 23.75" X 22"
Item Sold
Antique linen centerpiece, best society silk embroidery and design
Above photo best for color. The linen ground is cream.