{HISTORY}

Sweet sentiments and good friends go hand and hand here in this vintage embroidery sampler. Although unsigned and undated, this framed needlework most likely dates to about the 1930s  or before based on color palette, fabric and threadwork. 

The quote - True friendship is a knot which angel hands have tied - is a portion of a poem by an unknown author...

“True friendship is a Gordian knot,
Which angel hands have tied,
By heavenly skill its texture’s wrought,
Who shall its folds divide?
In vain death’s all-triumphant sword,
May strive the link to sever;
The union of the twisted cord,
In heaven shall last for ever.’

A popular quote stitched on samplers in the Victorian era and then making a resurgence again in the 1930s, this quote could be found in school yearbooks and autograph books, on wedding shower gifts and theme party invitations.

This sampler, most likely stitched by a young girl between the ages of 9-12 is a fascinating piece of history. As a major work of accomplishment for a young sewer practicing her stitches, it is a marvel in intimate details.

Upon close inspection, you can see some areas and lines in the cross-stitch that aren't perfectly symmetrical or straight. This is such a great example of hand-executed work by a sewer keen on perfecting her art. There is some slight fading to the R in "True" and N in "Friendship" possibly caused by a steady stream of sunlight that was directed at just those two areas specifically during the day. And there is just one stitch of orange thread in the flower bouquet at the table. Was that a design choice? Did she run out of red thread at the very end? These are intriguing parts of the overall composition for sure.

In an age of mass-produced embroidery art and machines that can create perfect stitches and scenes in a matter of minutes, it is so lovely to see this very old hand-stitched sampler and the intimate glimpse of the earnest girl behind it.

Please note, this is not the original frame in which the sampler was first displayed.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Hard to find design
• Hand-embroidered
• Cross-stitch style
• Thread colors include black, deep red and orange on ivory linen

{CONDITION}

In beautiful condition, this sampler is very clean and the frame is strong and secure. Apart from the two slightly faded letters mentioned above, there are three light age spots  - one near the top left corner by the back of the woman's chair, and the other two in the bottom right corner. 

{SIZE}

Measures 12.5" inches (length) x 9.75" inches (width) x 6.75" inches (thickness) and weighs 1.7lbs.