The Golden Hours of Youth Are Slipping Away, Early 19th C. Ink and Watercolor Love Token by Sarah A. Stearns

I purchased this one at the Boston Antiquarian Book Fair from a wonderful dealer sharing my love of early paper; clearly it shows a bit of loss along the bottom, but I just could not resist that marvelous little ink and watercolor basket of flowers with larger blooms springing up from either side--the embodiment of Youth, indeed, even while we are reminded that "the golden hours are sliding fast away"! Delivered as a "tribute of love and affection" from Sarah A. to Eliza Ann Stearns, I'd guess 1820s or so. Charming.

6 7/8" x 5 5/8". Loss along the bottom edge as evident, but I think if matted on board of a matching cream and framed it will pretty much fall away. Otherwise good condition, brighter and lovelier in hand.