This is a "Boutis" from the Provençe dating to approx. 1860. It is a real find to get such a excellent rare piece as most Boutis from that period have completely shredded. The Boutis or "stamped embroidery" has its origins in quilting and quilting techniques. It is made by stitching small dots of thread on the contours of the patterns drawn before hand. The earliest piece goes back to 1395 called Tristan Quilt - Sicily after the legend of "Tristan and Iseult!" The Boutis, as often is the case, is two sided with two contrasting and very traditional prints de Provençe. One side is cotton and the other side, I believe, is wool. The Boutis has delicious colours such as raspberry reds, deep pinks, several shades of rich browns. Stunning floral cascading design and bolder larger scale floral on the other side. The smaller scale print may be "block printed" and is lighter in shades.Please see photos!! It is in superb condition for it's age and use. PLEASE NOTE: If the postage is less than indicated ( difficult to price as the piece weighs in at 4 kilo) we will of course refund you the difference!!! I checked the boutis thoroughly and could not find or see any fault. I had the piece professionally dry cleaned and is thus in pristine condition. A very rare piece!!