STAMPED LINEN, TEA COSY + MAT

Printed pattern on yellow silk organza is a most unusual fabric for hand embroidery on practical table linen.

With the advent of printing presses in late 19th century, printed patterns on fabric provided an easy access for hand embroidery, a popular handcraft in early 20th C. This floral pattern is identified as a popular one at the time.

(a) doyley with floral design in opposite corners.

(b) small tea cosy with floral design on both sides.

Afternoon tea was important social occasion, and having beautiful hand embroidered table linen, enabled the lady of the house to showcase her hand skills and complement the fine china used in serving tea.