3 Early XXth Century damask linen napkins with S.B. initials. - Napkin - 75 cm - 85 cm

An exceptional set of three damask linen and silk napkins, remarkable for their unusually generous width of 85 cm. Such dimensions were uncommon in the early decades of the 20th century, particularly in fabrics of this quality, when the production of fine damask linen required considerable skill and expense.

The beautifully woven damask design celebrates the Scottish thistle, the national emblem of Scotland. Elegant thistle blooms and their characteristic broad, pointed leaves are rendered with great subtlety within the weave, creating the rich interplay of light and shadow for which quality damask is prized. Delicate floral bouquets ornament each corner, while graceful garlands of thistles frame the border, lending the composition both balance and refinement.

Each napkin is personalised with the embroidered initials “S.B.”, worked in raised embroidery and executed in an elegant English script. The monogram is further enriched by delicate floral embellishments, demonstrating the attention to detail and level of workmanship associated with bespoke household linens of the period.

The napkins retain their original hand-finished hems, a further indication of their quality and handcrafted character.

Only three napkins remain from what was once a larger service, the balance having been dispersed. Rather than pairing them with examples of a different pattern, these survivors have been preserved as a coherent group, allowing the beauty of their design and workmanship to be appreciated as originally intended.