17thC, circa 1660 c.1660 Silkwork Band Sampler. Framed in a wood frame with glass. Stitched to card with wooden backing. The sampler is worked in silks on linen ground, in a great variety of stitches and raised work. Simple line border, pulled thread work on the verticals. Soft colours, typical of the period, light blue, green, gold, cream, olive green and dark brown. Alphabet A-Z (no ''J'' or ''U'' and a very strange ''X'') in upper case only. No date or name. These were considered indecorous by some at this period. Consists of a variety of beautifully worked bands, including ''boxers'' in tunics, stags, flower arrangements, and many different patterns. Sampler has been worked in both directions with no intention to display, resulting in motifs and bands in the ''bottom half'' appearing to be upside down, with the exception of the alphabet which has been righted. Good. No holes. A number of small stains. Very minor stitch loss to the alphabet. Colours very close to original with little fading. The silks bright and glossy. Slight colour run around the boxers. Stretching is very slightly uneven. Frame loose along the sides, otherwise sound and ready to hang pending re-framing/re-sealing. 39.75ins by 7ins wide

Antique Textiles
Antique Samplers