Victorian

Red & cream silk envelope, fully lined (appx. size 10”/25cm square). For reason of the design showing hearts, the case may possibly have been a love token or to signify a birth. Either made or purchased, it could have originally included a letter, love note or document inside.

A floral design of mimosa, violets, edelweiss, forget-me-nots are on each quarter. One of the quarters (above) also contains a pink rose & buds. 2 embroidered red hearts are also within the design & what could may be a pink heart within a leaf is included too.

4 alternating red & cream silk quarters hinge open to reveal a quilted lining. The outer edges have corded ‘rope’ attached to cover hinge stitching. This continues around each quarter with small loops at each of the square’s 4 corners. Each ‘point’ of the quarter has a small rectangle of ribbon stitched to the inside edge. Although no longer visible, these could have been part of the fastening used to ensure the envelope remained closed.

The padded & quilted cream silk lining has small sequins & beads attached at intervals where lines of stitching intersect (possibly machine stitched). Where the silk outer fabric has now become worn, a card inner is visible.

Around 24" square (one of 3), they were purchased in a 'junk' shop with broken frames (now renewed) but the original glass was left intact. The 3 'paintings' are all similar in design (oriental style of birds & flowers) & are hand-painted on silk.

Unfortunately in tiny areas (on each of the pictures), small holes are starting to appear - here's a close-up of one section.