A needlework picture with raised work details embroidered in coloured silks and purl with seed pearl, bead and mica embellishment, worked with a central oval containing an elegant couple, the sun above and a building beyond, initialled "ML 167[6?]", the surround with a unicorn, stag, leopard and lion in each corner, a man and woman at each side, infilled with insects and flowers, two exotic birds at the top--18.3/8 x 13in. (47 x 34cm.), 1670s, English, framed and glazed, some wear

Details

A needlework picture with raised work details embroidered in coloured silks and purl with seed pearl, bead and mica embellishment, worked with a central oval containing an elegant couple, the sun above and a building beyond, initialled "ML 167[6?]", the surround with a unicorn, stag, leopard and lion in each corner, a man and woman at each side, infilled with insects and flowers, two exotic birds at the top--18.3/8 x 13in. (47 x 34cm.), 1670s, English, framed and glazed, some wear
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Sale room notice

The estimate on this lot is now 3,000-4,000.

Lot Essay

With note on the verso inscribed Memo by ?? Geo. Smartt March 31 1919. This piece of tapestry has belonged to my Ancestors handed down from the Lifford branch of our family. My Grand Mother wrote upon it as given to my Daughter Maud Lifford Smartt (now Mrs Daves of Bristol). What it represents is not definately known but it has first above the heads of the two centre figures the letters M.L. (Mary Lifford) and is dated 1673.
For some time it was lent to the British Museum but my late Uncle Walter Smart of Buckhurst Hill Essex got it back and handed it to me, as the next of kin in direct line. (Signed) Geo Smartt.
Also inscribed with earlier 19th century indistinct writing.

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