Still working through a huge stack of fabulous antique needlework and loomed tapestry fragments found throughout the past 4 decades while buying in France - all with the idea of making them up as lushly fringed and down-filled opulent throw or decorator pillows. They're clean, odorless, archival stored and in excellent condition for use as intended.
THIS one is a magnificent French panel, 18th century to perhaps 1800 and with a super-fine petitpoint scene of 4 cavaliers in a tented outdoor scene, surrounded in colorful French decorative motifs popular in the last quarter of 1700s. The panel has been used for a chair back, and is in remarkably fine condition - I only bought the very best! Large at 30" x 25" gives you a lot to work with. In photos I have shown some variations for cuts for pillow. I will note that the cuts for chair arms at sides are straight cuts with the panel turned back, so nothing is missing there and it could, ostensibly, be restored so those cuts don't show, the woolen needlework is completely there. Wonderful figural presentation in tiniest petitpoint - one tiny stitch at a time, it would have taken a very long time to create.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the panel has no flaws of age or use or wear, bug damage and no unpleasant odors. I only bought the very best panels! Clean, no unpleasant odors, wool and silk yarns slightly light faded to a fabulous neutral palette. You can see the original colors on the backside, as well as the incredible intricacy of the old needlework stitches, each one a single stitch by hand. Thick panel, supple and stable enough for pillows.
