Gorgeous 1772 (!) Dutch Darning Sampler with Needlepoint Name and Date, Framed as Found 19th century santos lovingly made by hand long

lovingly made by hand long ago

which makes it seem as if it could function as a butter stamp as well

and I have labeled each with a number then A + B

plus of course very useful as pedestals for non functional things

Gorgeous 1772 (!) Dutch Darning Sampler with Needlepoint Name and Date, Framed as Found 19th century santos lovingly made by hand longGreat luck and pure joy to find this one this week on a swing through some favorite shops in New Hampshire. If there is one absolute favorite thing I've discovered the existence of over the last number of years dealing antiques it is darning samplers to my eye just the most visually exquisite things in addition to embodying what seems now like just unfathomable skill and labor. And the most exquisite and precious examples are the early ones, this one