Cushion

Elegant Antique Pillow Cover in Pure Linen with Floral Embroidery and Cutwork - Early 20th Century
Splendid and elegant antique pillow cover dating from the early 1900s (circa 1900-1910), an authentic testament to the excellence of textile craftsmanship and traditional ensembles of the late Victorian period.
The piece is entirely handmade and decorated on precious antique pure linen fabric, characterized by the typical and fascinating flame-like texture of threads of the era, robust to the touch and in a delicate natural ivory shade.
• Central Embroidery: The central panel hosts an incredibly graceful floral embroidery, masterfully executed by hand. It features a sinuous spray with large open flowers, buds and lanceolate leaves. The color palette relies on warm, era-appropriate threads: shades of antique pink for the petals, olive and sage greens for the foliage, with precise details in ochre yellow and brown at the heart of the flowers. Techniques used alternate satin stitch (providing a three-dimensional relief to the petals), grass stitch, and refined knot stitches.
• Cutwork Border: Framing the central embroidery is a splendid and dense cutwork border ("cutwork" or pulled work). This complex ladder-like perforated work, done by counting the warp threads one by one, finishes the inner perimeter with geometric precision.
• Dimensions: Non-standard by industrial measures, approx. 50 x 44 cm (further confirmation of the tailoring and artisanal craftsmanship of the piece).
• Condition: Excellent overall for a century-old fabric. The linen structure is solid, the embroidery intact, and the colors well preserved."}