Strolling through a vintage market in
Simpsonville, South Carolina
this week I came across an unexpected find.
Hung high up on a wall with so many things in front,
I could hardly get a close up look.
A helper pulled it down off the wall.
Stitching on punched paper.
This paper was an affordable "fabric" option for Victorian times.
In mid to late 1800's these projects were
very popular in England, Europe and the United States.
Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott
eine gute Wehr und Wassen.
German for the opening line of Martin Luther's hymn-
A Mighty Fortress is our God, a trusty shield and weapon.
And three days until Reformation 2026.
A celluloid image of Martin Luther in the center.
Celluloid was used in decorative sewing crafts
as it could be created to look like ivory,
tortoiseshell or mother-of-pearl.
It was a popular mixed media element from
Victorian times to the early 1900's.
The fern and small flower are disintegrating with age,
but very typical of German religious art.
Probably to remove the ferns
changes the value of the work.
Words are outlined and highlighted with gold thread.
The stitching used fine silk, wool, (called Berlin Work)
or metallic gold or silver threads
for highlights, borders and script.
That is evident on this piece.
The frame is 16 by 20 inches
and a bit brighter gold than my usual preference.
But the leaf relief is pretty on the frame.
So on Reformation Day- a place of honor in our house.
Pretty cool for a piece of late nineteenth century art.
Always fun to find the unusual on the vintage trail.
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