Rare Gilt and Silk Thread Embroidered Book Binding with Carnation (symbolising devotion) : C17th Europe

Item Details.

A framed embroidery dating from the 1600s composed of metallic wrapped silk threads, couched metallic threads with silk thread embroidery worked onto a hand loomed linen ground.

After careful research we believe this fine embroidery was made to cover a book,possibly a Bible or book of psalms. It is presented in an unglazed frame from a later date.

Embroidered with a pink carnation (which
represents devotion) in full bloom with buds emerging from either side below the main flower with extraordinarily decorative foliage at its base.

The whole surface is almost entirely covered in embroidery, the background area at the top has couched silver metal thread embroidery (which has darkened over time to a deep pewter colour). Further down the embroidered background changes to gold.

The foliage has been worked in beautifully fine silk embroidery in shades of green and yellow, mainly in split stitch.

There are scrolls and arabesques framing the carnation which are worked in a wide variety of stitches and are worked in gilt metal wrapped thread.

The condition is good for an embroidery of this age. The gilt threads have darkened and have a patina of age as you would expect and the silk threads have faded somewhat.

Measurements:
Frame: 23 x 35cm
Embroidery: 16.5 x 29cm