It's astonishing to think James I ( 1603-25) was on the throne of England when this marvellous unfaded length was embroidered by a aristocratic lady. I think this may have been a valance from the top of a four poster bed. There would have been other lengths joining it. It would look marvellous as a runner on a piece of furniture or as a hanging. I am rather keen on runners on tables, chest of drawers at the moment. They look stunning.
A central row of large carnatiions alternating with tudor roses,stylised leaves and honeysuckle above, and stylised leaves below, worked in tent stitch in coloured wools including three shades of red, from crimson, terracotta and pink, four of blue, ivory, orange, gold colour, yellow and green, infilled with black, on a coarse canvas ground. The back has an unseen continuing 2 in; 5 cm strip of canvas for securing the length to the top of the bed.
6ft 8 in x 8 in; 2.04m x 21 cm
Excellent.
For similar motifs on a square cushion cover, late 16th.
Catalogue of English Domestic Embroidery by John L Nevinson. V & A Museum Plate X, p 13.
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