Bidspirit auction | Large Framed Victorian Crazy Patchwork

Large Framed Victorian Crazy Patchwork Sampler with Masonic and Patriotic Motifs - This large scale Victorian crazy patchwork sampler, dating from the late 19th century, consists of irregular fragments of silk, satin, velvet, and brocade joined with various decorative embroidery stitches. The piece is heavily embellished with silk thread embroidery depicting a wide range of motifs. Key iconographic elements include a Masonic square and compasses with a central G and a patriotic bald eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch. Animal imagery features a cat, a rabbit, a bear or badger, a trio of owls, various birds, a butterfly, and a spiderweb. Figural and object based motifs include a man in a military or naval uniform, a pagoda, a violin with bow, a cornucopia, a cross, and a basket of flowers. Botanical embroidery includes roses, goldenrod, and oak leaves with acorns. A frayed silk section shows partial embroidered text reading Kate Japan. The textile is mounted in an ornate gilded composition frame with a velvet covered inner mat. Width: 33 3/4 inches Height: 23 1/4 inches. The textile displays significant age related deterioration, characterized by widespread shattering and splitting of the silk patches, with several areas of complete fabric loss exposing the backing material. General fraying and dust are present. The gilded frame has a prominent diagonal crack in the molding at the upper left corner and minor surface wear.