A Victorian face screen pair, excellent condition with cross stitch embroidery in silk threads on open linen canvas - Chinoiserie or Japonaise fashion/ style that was popular in the French Empire period and also Empire Revival era during the reign of Napoleon III (c.1850-70), Victorian era. The black painted sticks are tipped with a small white opaline bead (one missing) and the criss-crossing of sticks forms the framework and handle for this wonderful pair. Face screens in Victorian times: These were used to provide visitors a hand-held protective screen so they could sit next to the warmth of hearth to visit, but would not get all blotched in the face by the direct heat of those large open fireplaces in Victorian mansions. Remember, makeup of that era had wax base, and it was also the case that not only cheeks would pink and blotch, but makeup might also melt a bit and run in direct heat. So these were essential for any well-appointed Victorian home.
Very good condition, notable: There is one small 1" long piece of one stick broken off (marked on our photos for your review). I'm unsure why the photos look like there are stains on the canvas - there are not. I think it's a shadow effect of the mesh against the silk liner/backing. These do not have stains on the canvas and in fact they look much nicer in person. There are some fading notations on the silk backing, visible in our images. Overall, a really wonderful pair. Measurements are noted on our photos.
