1819 “La Maitresse de Broderie” portfolio of antique charts

An extraordinary find– this small portfolio dates from the early 19th century (first printing was 1819). It’s a 4″ by 7-1/4″ folded cover with a border and spine featuring a hand-painted chart of a floral border design. The original green silk ribbon closures are still attached. Inside are 25 cards, 16 of which feature hand-painted charts of traditional designs, a card of stitch diagrams with hand-painted accents and a floral plate. The additional plates include embroidery outlines and illustrations of embroidery hoops and working frames.

In very good condition overall; the portfolio has expected wear and light soil, interior plates are very good and not at all brittle. A rare opportunity to own a piece of needlework history!

I’ve published a small book with these charts for those of you who’d like a working copy. It’s available on Amazon in both paperback and ebook formats as The Mistress of Embroidery.