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Crewelwork, 18th century. Embroidered on an off-white, heavy woven twill fabric, this crewelwork is in the English style, although may have been made by early settlers to the United States. Satin stitch, French knot, couching stitch, split stitch, and others create a colorful and textured tree of life motif: a central tree emerging from stylized hillocks. The tree features flowing branches embellished with stylized leaves, flowers, fruit, and animals, often chosen for their symbolism. Colors palettes include shades of red, blue, greens, and some brown. Uniquely framed in an early 19th century drawer . . . perhaps a nod to Yankee frugality and ingenuity.
Dimensions: sight 12.75” x 16.5”; frame 14.75” x 19”.
Motifs used early crewelwork, as well as other forms of art and folk art, were typically chosen for their symbolism. For example, in the center of this piece a "tree of life", a metaphor for creation: rooted in the waters of the underworld, and passing through earth to the heavens. It is often shown growing on a mountain or in paradise. To the right of the tree is a bird with blue feathers. In early folklore, birds symbolized human souls, and were thought to bring goodness, immorality, and happiness. In some cultures, birds such as ravens and vultures, represented bad omens. Others believed that birds communicated with divinities and carried messages from them. Birds traditionally implied wisdom and intelligence; Shamans wore feathers and bird masks believing that they could fly to higher realms of knowledge. The expression "a little bird told me" is an ancient tribal belief that birds can information to their enemies.
Also notable in this crewelwork are the bird's blue feathers. Blues symbolizes eternity, truth, devotion, faith, sprituality, and intelligence. In early European folk traditions, blue stood for loyalty; in China for scholarship and a happy marriage. In other cultures the color blue is linked with mercy and wisdom.
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