I purchased this one at an antiques show in Maine from a dealer who had had it in her personal collection for many years, brining it out for the first time, I think just for me! It came as no surprise to me to learn that her field of greatest focus and expertise has been early pen wipes; if there were ever a candle mat that felt very close kin to a precious early pen wipe, I think this would be it. And if there were ever a thing constructed in the manner of a penny rug that I was 100% aligned with my sensibilities, this would be it, too--a love token/penny rug/candle mat/very tender handmade valentine all at once. And the reverse side is wonderful too. Total LOVE.
9" x 9". Wool and hand-dyed cotton/linen with what I believe is homespun linen on reverse, wool yarn and cotton thread stitching. Some lost decorative perimeter yarn stitches as evident, feeling very much all of a piece with it and making it feel all the more tender to me. Quite good structural condition, sound and stable, no fraying, and not especially fragile though one wants to take a little care with it.
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