Gorgeous 1772 (!) Dutch Darning Sampler with Needlepoint Name and Date, Framed as Found kanzashi Watercolor is mounted to backing

Watercolor is mounted to backing paper (original to it

which makes the whole thing feel highly subjective--and the proportion of head to body is especially great here

6 1/4” w x 5 1/8” t x 3 1/2” d  and in excellent condition with a very substantial presence

Dated 1841 at bottom right

Gorgeous 1772 (!) Dutch Darning Sampler with Needlepoint Name and Date, Framed as Found kanzashi Watercolor is mounted to backingGreat 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