Witney Antiques

Amongst our important collection of seventeenth century embroidery will be found raisedwork (sometimes referred to as stump work) oftain embellished with precious stones, pearls, beads, spangles and coral, these charming items are highly collected. Other techniques including canvas work and tent-stitch pictures are to be found with both religious (usually old testament) and domestic subjects. Although such objects as coifs, caskets and purses are increasingly rare we aim to have examples of the highest quality. Seventeenth century samplers of spot motif and band form along with white work and black work (Spanish work) may also be seen in the collection.

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Period English Embroidered Textiles

Only a small selection of our stock is on the web site.
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Beaded Purse 1632 A rare small beaded 17th century purse, inscribed ‘IN HOPE MY HEART DO REST 1632.’ Another example with the same inscription but dated 1637, is illustrated in British Embroidery. Curious Works from The 17th Century. Kathleen Epstein. Now missing the drawer string and tassels, purses of this type seldom come on the market. Size 15 x 10cm (6 x 4 ins)	Christ and the Woman of Samaria at the Well New Testament subjects are not common at this period but of the few that are known this subject appears to be the most frequently embroidered. Worked in tent stitch. 17th Century. Framed size: 48 x 37 cm (19 x 15 ins)

Scenes from the life of Abraham Tent stitch with wool and silk. Abraham kneels before three angels annunciating the birth of Isaac. Hagar and Ishmael reveal a hidden well in the desert. And the sacrifice of Isaac is quickly halted by Archangel Michael and the ram, caught in a thicket, is provided as an alternative. English Mid 17th Century. Framed size: 132 x 81 cm.	Spot Motif Cushion A rare English spot motif cushion with original silver lace edging. Worked in coloured silks on a silk ground with areas of raised work and bead work. Circa 1660. Unframed size: 55 x 45 cm.

Solomon Receiving the Queen of Sheba Worked in a variety of complex stitches in coloured silks. Dressed in contemporary costume, Solomon bears a strong resemblance to Charles I. The subject is set within an exotic landscape with royal beasts. Mid 17th Century. Framed size: 67 x 48 cm.	English Pastoral Landscape A charming canvas work embroidery depicting an elegantly dressed young woman standing before two young men, one playing a pipe, who lounge on a leafy hillock. In fine condition retaining a clear, bright colour pallette. Framed size: 46 x 46 cm.
Purl Work Panel. 17th Century A complete panel composed of metallic wrapped silk threads ( purl ) couched metallic thread and spangles on a silk ground in a formal design of scrolling leaves and flower heads. Possibly intended to be used for the lid of a box.	Shepherd and Shepherdess Mid 18th century tent stitch embroidered picture depicting a large red house and an elegant couple in the foreground dressed as a shepherd and shepherdess. Circa 1750. Framed size: 69 x 62 cm.