Lot 322
322
'A True Lover's Knot, or an emblem of true love', 1771, possibly American, calligraphic manuscript on paper, the lettering in two circles, six interlocking discs and a checkerboard, decorated in black ink and red and yellow watercolour, 15 3/8 x 12¾ in. (39.1 x 32.4 cm.) (minor damp damage and losses to upper margin, some flaking of colours), laid onto paper mount, later titles on mount; [and] another similar, 'The True Lover's Knot', 1770, possibly American, the lettering in a complex geometrical design, decorated in black ink and red and yellow watercolours, title with decorative pen-strokes, 15½ x 12½ in. (39.4 x 31.8 cm.) (creases to sheet and some losses to centre left edge, foxing throughout) (2)
'A True Lover's Knot, or an emblem of true love', 1771, possibly American, calligraphic manuscript on paper, the lettering in two circles, six interlocking discs and a checkerboard, decorated in black ink and red and yellow watercolour, 15 3/8 x 12¾ in. (39.1 x 32.4 cm.) (minor damp damage and losses to upper margin, some flaking of colours), laid onto paper mount, later titles on mount; [and] another similar, 'The True Lover's Knot', 1770, possibly American, the lettering in a complex geometrical design, decorated in black ink and red and yellow watercolours, title with decorative pen-strokes, 15½ x 12½ in. (39.4 x 31.8 cm.) (creases to sheet and some losses to centre left edge, foxing throughout) (2)

Details
'A True Lover's Knot, or an emblem of true love', 1771, possibly American, calligraphic manuscript on paper, the lettering in two circles, six interlocking discs and a checkerboard, decorated in black ink and red and yellow watercolour, 15 3/8 x 12¾ in. (39.1 x 32.4 cm.) (minor damp damage and losses to upper margin, some flaking of colours), laid onto paper mount, later titles on mount; [and] another similar, 'The True Lover's Knot', 1770, possibly American, the lettering in a complex geometrical design, decorated in black ink and red and yellow watercolours, title with decorative pen-strokes, 15½ x 12½ in. (39.4 x 31.8 cm.) (creases to sheet and some losses to centre left edge, foxing throughout) (2)

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Lot Essay

Paper labyrinths were popular in the 18th and early 19th centuries in both England and America, especially amongst some Pennsylvania Quakers. They were a form of handmade love token which included a penned message hidden within maze like linear bands and geometric patterns.

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