Vintage and Antique Linens by Em's Heart
Amazing Wild Roses Antique Society Silk Tea Cloth
Item Number T21705
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 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.
Antique fine linen tea cloth is gloriously embroidered in grand society silk style with rambling antique roses, petals and an elaborately scalloped border. This piece shows the finest gradations of shade in an unexpected color scheme of pinks, creams, lavenders and grays. The fine linen ground is cream and is lighter weight and silky soft -- ever-so drapey on the table. It is neatly trimmed at the edge and represents a well practiced hand and an artist's eye for design and coloration. Several light age stains, the worst is shown, below. These are faint and do not detract at all from the beauty of the piece. A collector piece...one of a kind. Freshly laundered and pressed, in excellent condition. c.890 - 1920 41" X 40"
Item Sold
Antique cream linen society silk tea cloth
