Two ca. 1840 closely related appliqued and embroidered potholders (they’re sisters, not twins). Clearly created by a talented artist, both pieces are thoughtfully designed for visual impact and as a display for the maker’s skills. One piece is on a dark blue wool background, decorated with red birds with light blue wings, sitting among winding vines with heart shaped flowers and foliage. The motifs are embroidered in mostly a stem stitch. The border fabric and hanging hook are a tan cotton; the backing is red wool.
Dimensions: 5 3/8” x 5 5/8”.
The other piece is on a black cotton background. Four tulip-like flowers in red and light blue emanate from the center along with four long-stem flower buds in the same blue, pink, and red. All the design motifs are embroidered with a crossstitch; additional appliqued and pieces are interspersed throughout. It is bordered in a dark and light striped brown cotton. The hanging loop is made of twisted, thick cotton threads. This piece is backed in a red and light blue plaid wool. Dimensions: 6 3/8” x 6 1/8”.
Provenance: Barbara Pollack, Grace and Elliott Snyder.