Description:
Man's wallet or pocketbook done in a wool embroiderd flame stitch on linen ground with khaki green wool lining and edging. Elegant needlewook reflected well on genteel households where women enjoyed the wealth to purchase refined materials and the time to execute ornamental work. These were made to carry personal papers and currency, scarce in a barter economy, and to impress people away from home with its color and workmanship.
Label Text:
Celebrating the Fiber Arts 2008: Embroidered in what is popularly called today ‘flame-stitch’, this fine example represents an ancient tradition that was known in the 18th century as “Irish Stitch.” This form of embroidery was introduced into Europe in 927 A.D. when the Empress Theophanu of Constantinople married the great nephew of Charlemagne. She brought her goldsmiths, ivory carvers, and her embroiderers
with her to what is today Saxony in Germany. The tradition continued in use throughout the middle ages in convents and had a revival in the late 17th century that continues in popularity until today.
Subjects:
Textile fabrics; Linen; Wool Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+59.010.1 |
