Needlework slips. A collection of slips, English, mid 17th century

Needlework slips. A collection of slips, English, mid 17th century, 11 decorative slips, worked in tent stitch in plant-dyed wools, in shades of blue, green, red, brown, and cream, depicting various naturalistic plant forms, e.g. pinks, pomegranates, pea plant, pears, cherries, etc., each cut out and backed with black wool, some minor wear and loss of stitching, largest 18 x 14 cm (7 x 5.5 ins), smallest 14 x 16.5 cm (5.5 x 6.5 ins), together with a later large floral needlework slip (Qty: 12) An exceptional collection of rare early needlework slips. These decorative motifs were executed to embellish the soft furnishings of the wealthy, particularly during the Stuart period. They were typically used to adorned curtains, bed hangings and valances, cushions, and picture and mirror frames, amongst other furnishing textiles (see, for example, the four-poster bed in the Mary Queen of Scots Room at Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire). Stylistically the decorations owe much to the botanical books of the period, such as John Gerard's Herball, first published in 1597.