{HISTORY}

So pretty, this vintage 1950s cotton tea towel features a hand-embroidered applique cottage garden in the trapunto style.

If you are unfamiliar with this three-dimensional style of embroidery, trapunto is a plumpy, pillowy type of batten-stuffed needlework that adds dynamic visual punch to an otherwise flat embroidery surface and design. Centuries-old, it originated in Italy in the 1500s, and is often seen on antique quilts, but also adorns a host of other decorative and functional textiles too.  

In the case of this vintage cotton tea towel, the trapunto design can be seen in the towering stem of pink hollyhocks graduated in size and color, in the yellow face of a flower opening toward the sun, and in a set of leaves underneath a slightly smaller blue hollyhock. Tucked in between those flowers are springs of embroidered greenery and light pink hyacinth.  Beautifully executed, this garden scene is enhanced with a band of light yellow cotton at the bottom for extra flourish.

Crisp and bright like summer sheets, this beautiful display of needlework was all handmade - a mini piece of art in thread and fabric - that looks just lovely as a tray liner for tea service, use in outdoor entertaining soirees, or as a display linen hanging in the kitchen.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Colors include coral, light pink, blueberry, lemon yellow, pale blue, spring green and sage

- Cotton fabric

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. This linen is clean and bright with no spots, stains or pulled threads.

{SIZE}

Measures 13.5" (inches) x 21.5" inches (length)