Vintage and Antique Linens by Em's Heart
Antique Society Silk Embroidered Tea Cloth
Long Stem Red Roses
Item Number T22405
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.
Stunning antique society silk embroidered tea cloth with long stem roses is beautifully embroidered on cream linen lawn with all the classic elements of the style. Random petals are strewn about an artistically scalloped border and intermingled with realistic long stem roses in all stages from bud to seed. The veining on leaves and thorns are particularly crisp as are the padded and shaded details of each rose. An old ink stain tops the flaw list, along with three very tiny holes, all shown below. This one will make you faint in person. I'm not kidding.... Freshly laundered and pressed, in excellent condition, as described. c.1890 - 1910 26"
Item Sold
Antique society silk embroidered roses tea cloth
