Outstanding antique Georgian embroidery 1st half 18thC From skirt or apron Prov

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Outstanding antique Georgian embroidery 1st half 18thC From skirt or apron Prov:
$560.27

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English speakers only please.

Here in the Period Home Department you can delight in antiques to enhance your dwelling. From the fabulous to the humble, a touch of the past to enjoy!

This outstanding 18th Century panel came with an apron of approximately the same date. They both came from a wealthy family and provenance will be sent with the sale. The apron has since sold.

The embroidery to the soft blue ribbed silk fabric is simply fantastic. Exotic birds and a small Chinese figure suggest Chinoiserie, very popular in the 18th Century.

So many embroidery techniques in silk thread, gold and silver. The metal threads glisten and glow in the light, most being very clean and fresh. Amazingly, vibrant primary colours are used next to the softest pastels, and compliment each other beautifully.

French knots make features stand proud of the surface and the quality of the work suggests a Master Embroiderer at work.

I have discussed this panel at length with others and we are still not sure of the original use of the piece. It has certainly come from a larger embroidery. In it\'s current state it also appears to be apron-like with three gold lace edges and the top edge turned under.

The Lace Mentor has assured me that the beautiful lace is contemporary to the piece; ie 18th Century, but I think it was added after the piece was cut. I am also sure that the turnover hem at the top is later.

The best similarity I have found is in an early 18th Century skirt shown in Vol 1 of \'Fashion: A History from the 18th to the 20th Century\' [Kyoto Costume Institute. Taschan 2005], page 93. Here we see a caraco & petticoat, the petticoat of \'green silk taffeta appliqued with embroidered chinoiserie flowers, birds & insects [c1720].\'

Now, even though this petticoat is applique and mine is not, look at the very large, seperate motifs that climb up the petticoat skirt. So very similar to the panel on offer here.

So I think this panel, rather than being an apron, is actually a cut panel from a gown or petticoat and edged later to preserve it.

Apart from vague area\'s of gentle discolouration to the ribbed silk, this fabulous piece is in exceptional condition for age. No holes or tears. The lace is still lovely. It still glows with the gold and silver couching. There are just a few isolated threads undone and loose.

It is crying out to be framed. But f you are lucky enough to own an 18th Century gown, this could be easily adapted to make a superb dress apron to decorate it further.

The size is approx 26\" x 20.5\" including the lace, and it is completely drenched in outstanding, individual embroidery motifs.

*Picture reference is added for research purposes and not intended to sell or promote any product.

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