Lot 178: Antique Berlin Wool Work Needlepoint Book Cover

Description

Antique hand-stitched wool needlepoint book cover in a padded pillow-style design, featuring cross-stitched daffodils in gold and orange against a deep green ground, with a silk or silk-like grosgrain lining and a center sleeve to hold a book in place. Wool needlework of this kind, sometimes called Berlin wool work, was a popular parlor pastime in the early 1900s, and covers like this were made to protect and personalize a favorite book or Bible. The pairing of sturdy wool needlepoint with a fine silk lining reflects the care typically taken with treasured handmade gifts of the period. Interior sleeve accommodates a book up to approximately 4.5" x 7" x 0.5". Overall measures approximately 10.5" W x 7.5" L.

Condition:

Good antique condition. Wear commensurate with age and use, including light general soiling to the silk lining and gentle overall softening of the needlepoint fibers (see photos). No holes, unraveling, or loose threads noted in the stitching. Please review photos closely; we do our best to catch all flaws but small imperfections can be missed.

Dimensions: W: 10.5", L: 7.5"