Hand embroidered?

Discussion in 'Textiles, Needle Arts, Clothing' started by escmode, Jun 16, 2019.

  1. escmode

    escmode Member

    Happy Sunday all, I bought this striking tapestry the other day for a few £'s, but I'm clueless on textiles. Can anyone shed any light on it - is it hand embroidered? Any thoughts on age? I tried to take a look at the stitches on the back, but there is a sewn-in backing.


    Many Thanks,

    Patrick

    DSC_0289 - Copy.JPG DSC_0281 - Copy.JPG DSC_0282 - Copy.JPG DSC_0284 - Copy.JPG DSC_0295 - Copy.JPG
     
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2019
    charlie cheswick and Any Jewelry like this.
  2. Jivvy

    Jivvy the research is my favorite

    As best I can tell, there is both couching (the gold threads on top of the fabric and tacked down) and knot stiches (the two large flowers at the top and the matching blossoms at the bottom).

    I'm absolutely on the side of hand work.

    Not a clue on age.
     
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2019
  3. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    I agree, hand-embroidered. It is Chinese. Lovely.
     
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  4. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    Not as old or as finely done as some but it does have a strong graphic appeal. Can see why you were attracted. Typically, one sees these matted; yours much more dramatic without. Framer's still in business. You might want to call to make sure their work textile friendly. (They also might remember commission.)

    Debora
     
    Figtree3, bluumz and Any Jewelry like this.
  5. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    Looks like there's a theme of different types of vessels?
     
  6. bluumz

    bluumz Quite Busy

    Rather crudely hand-embroidered and it looks like mass-produced embroidered ribbon was used for embellishment but the colors are attractive and it would definitely add some interest and "pop" to a wall, and the frame is perfect for it. :)
    No definite idea on age but my guess would be no older than the framing which can't be earlier than 1960s due to the use of a postcode in the address.
     
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  7. Sandra

    Sandra Well-Known Member

    The brown packing tape and the string hanger don't appear to be professional, so the back may have already been opened at one time. As the tape is dried out and lifting away from the back board and frame, I would be tempted to remove it and take a peek at what's going on.
    You may decide to leave well enough alone, I do agree with the others that feel it is hand done.
     
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  8. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    it's a lovely wall hanger.........
     
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  9. escmode

    escmode Member

    Many thanks for the comments so far.


    The telephone number on the back has an '01' in the town code which was introduced to the UK in 1995 - so the frame isn't that old.


    Which do you think is more likely, that its only as old as the frame, so around 24 years old? Or, it's older than that and has been re-framed?



    The tape lifting away is me, having a peek at the back. I can't see the stitching though, as it has a lining sewn into the back.



    Sorry to be a numpty, but can you explain what you mean by matted? Tks. Yeah, I checked on Google maps and there is still a framers on the road but with a different name. I'll drop them an email tomorrow.
     
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2019
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  10. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

  11. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

  12. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    According to this, framer still in business under same name.

    https://www.bizexposed.com/Devon-GBR/B/Riley_and_Scott-Ottery_St_Mary.php

    The backs of these pieces are typically finished, often with a brocade. Matted just refers to a card stock panel that surrounds the piece to serve as an interior frame. Sometimes they enhance the work; sometimes they distract.

    Debora
     
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  13. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

  14. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    I suspect your piece is contemporary to frame. But do wait for other opinions.

    Debora
     
  15. Jivvy

    Jivvy the research is my favorite

    Since pieces like this have been made for a while and continue to be made, knowing when this one piece was made can be difficult (I'm sure experts could pinpoint a time period quickly, but I am not one).

    I don't think removing the lining of the piece will tell you anything you don't already know (hand made).

    True, but jacquard brocades are used a lot and I'm not sure the use speaks to value. Here's another example: https://sothebyshome.com/antique-19th-century-chinese-embroidered-silk-panel-art-52670-42761.html
     
    bluumz likes this.
  16. escmode

    escmode Member

    Thank you Komokwa and Deborah for the clarifications on what 'matted' is. Seems obvious now :)

    On this piece, where is the brocade - is it the pale yellow/white boarder in the center? Thanks.
     
  17. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    It's the ribbon that divides the center design from the border. Off white with pale yellow, red and gray.

    Debora
     
  18. Jivvy

    Jivvy the research is my favorite

    Yes, you've got it. If you search ebay for "chinese embroidered panel" you will see lots of pieces with similar trims -- pieces obviously made for the low-end tourist trade and pieces of a higher quality.

    I'm not sure when the use of the brocade started in China, but the Jacquard loom was invented early 19th century, so not before that. ;)
     
    bluumz likes this.
  19. escmode

    escmode Member

    thanks... you guys are so generous with your knowledge, if I'm not careful I might learn something.

    How do you go about valuing (for sale) something like this, when there is no clear dating evidence? Do you go with your gut and price it just above the point you'd rather keep it than sell (hope that makes sense)?

    Or do you look at comparable items from your 'worst case scenario' (in my case, Chinese tourist tat of the mid-late 90's) and base it off those prices?
     
  20. Jivvy

    Jivvy the research is my favorite

    I am not a seller, so I can't really help.

    I will say that no matter how you price it, if a Chinese Silk Embroidery piece is a valuable piece, the buyers will absolutely categorically find it.
     
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