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Can You Identify These?

by Jean Palomba
(Greenvale, NY, USA)

I found a pair of these at a second hand store. They are in immaculate condition. Looks to be red embroidery on unbleached linen? Handstitched on the top layer and along the border. The back is plain. There is an opening along one long edge, and four tassels positioned about 2" from the opening edge. I thought these were placemats, but now I'm not sure. I think they may be Swedish, but I'm not sure there either. Any help would be appreciated identifying what I have here.

Thanks and regards,
Jean Palomba

Amy's Answer
I'm not an historic appraiser, so this is just a guess: Is it a fire screen cover? The design resembles the Swedish rosemaling or maybe Jacobean crewel. It's definitely redwork, and red dye was popular in the 19th century, though it was used before then. I don't know. Anyone else have an idea to share? Please post below!

Recommended Reading
Redwork Embroidery
Crewel History
Another Style and Origin Mystery to Solve

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Can You Identify These?

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Jan 14, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Eastern Europe
by: Penguin

They certainly look Eastern European to me. I've seen similar work from Poland, but that's usually showing more background surface and less embroidery. I think this kind of work was popular across Eastern Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. (Possibly earlier too.)
Jan 10, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Possible Identification
by: Anonymous

I think your redwork items may be Transylvanian pillow or cushion covers. I came across a few different styles of Hungarian pillow covers recently and one pair was very similar to yours. If you look on this Hungarian Folkart website you should see some similar pieces.

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