18th Century Tapestry Fire Pole Screen
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A fine antique tapestry fire pole screen, 18th century, a gros point and petit point design to a shaped cartouche in wool featuring an allegorical narrative set in a landscape with a man with a goat gesturing to a seated man holding a flute, in delicate stitching in muted teal, iron red and brown colours, with some exposed canvas, a border in possibly later and courser gauge wool, enclosed by a fine mahogany fretwork frame, height 57 cm, width 48 cm, (panel only)
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- Cartouche - An ornamental panel in the form of of a shield, oval or rectangular scroll with curling edges. It may be carved into the back of a chair or the top of a sideboard, or present on a piece of silver or jewellery, and contain the initials of the original owner, heraldic symbols, or some other inscription, such as the details of a presentation.
In ceramics the term defines the central area of a vase or similar with a decorative border in one of the shapes above, into which a decorative scene or figures have been painted. - Fretwork - Pierced intricate decorative patterns, cut with a fine saw and generally found around the galleries of desk tops, open-hanging shelves and small tables.
In open fret, the timber is completely pierced, giving an appearance of great lightness and delicacy.
With blind fret, as seen in Chinoiserie styles of Chippendale, the fretwork is applied like a moulding to a solid panel. - Mahogany - Mahogany is a dense, close grained red-coloured timber from the West Indies and Central America. It was first imported into Europe in the the early 18th century and its use continued through the 19th century. It was popular for furniture making because of its strength, the wide boards available, the distinctive grain on some boards, termed flame mahogany and the rich warm colour of the timber when it was polished.. The "flame" was produced where a limb grew out from the trunk of the tree, and this timber was usually sliced into veneers for feature panels on doors, backs and cornices.
Some terms used to describe mahogany relate to the country from which it originally came, such as "Cuban" mahogany, "Honduras" mahogany etc. However unless the wood has been tested the names assigned are more a selling feature, rather than a true indication of the timber's origin. - Petit Point - Petit point embroidery is a type of needlework that is characterized by small, delicate stitches worked onto a fine canvas or mesh fabric. The stitches used in petit point embroidery are typically very small and precise, and are worked in diagonal rows to create a smooth, even surface.
Petit point embroidery is often used to create intricate designs and patterns, such as floral motifs, landscapes, and portraits. The embroidery can be done in a variety of colours and can be quite detailed and realistic.
The technique of petit point embroidery has been used for centuries in various forms of decorative art, including tapestries, cushions, and clothing. It was particularly popular in the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe, where it was used to create elaborate wall hangings and furniture coverings.
Petit point embroidery is still practiced by many artisans and is used to create a wide range of decorative items, including jewellery, handbags, and home decor. The technique requires patience and skill, as the small stitches can be time-consuming to work and require a steady hand.
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