18th Century Colifichet Embroidery On Paper Double Sided Neeedlework C 1790

This is an exciting needlework from a single owner collection of rare Colifichet embroideries. This delightful miniature embroidery is upon a glazed laid paper, it is called a Colifichet (small trifle), you will notice that both sides are identical being free from the usual loose threads found to the reverse of a needlework. This tiny colifichet was wrought in Europe, likely France during the last quarter of the 18th century 1770 to 1790.

Colifichet was an exacting technique worked on either paper or vellum. Great care and patience was required to prevent the needle from tearing the paper!!The technique probably was created in China back in antiquity. It was practised by nuns in continental Europe during the 1600 and 1700s. It was not taught in Britain. It was only taught to wealthy British girls who were sent abroad for a Catholic education, as in the case of the two daughters of the Earl of Traquair in the year 1713.

Book ref: Antique Needlework Tools by Nerylla Taunton pages 58. The Needlework at Traquair by Margaret Swain page 4. Embroidered Georgian Pictures by Margaret Swain page 31

The colifichet is housed behind glass on both sides in a decorative but modern gilt frame. One side of the frame has hangers and is ready for display!

Measuring: Frame width 4 inch (10 cm) by height 5 7/8 inch (15 cm). Aperture width 3 3/8 inch (8.5 cm) by height 5 ¼ inch (13.5 cm).

Condition: Minor debris under glass and minor undulation to the colifichet. You can clearly see that the front has faded a little in sunlight over the centuries whereas the reverse flower is as fresh as the day it was wrought.

Item ID:09958