I've found a few examples of Victorian glass encased forget me nots over the years and find them quite magical--with a lot of formal similarities to antique reliquaries, they're like forever encased memorials to friendships. But for me the phrase "Walk on roses" at the center of this one elevates it to a whole different level. (I've seen "A remembrance" and "Forget me not" but nothing so marvelous as this!) What a beautiful--and visually evocative--wish for someone. And I love the undertow to the notion of it too, in my mind a walk on roses implying thorns and all, and so a hope for said friend to bear their challenges and come through stronger and more resilient. All a bit gothic in the best of ways! I paid a lot for this one (and have found when I do come across these in general they've gotten very pricey), but there was no way I could leave "Walk on Roses" behind, and I'm pretty certain I'll never see another.
This is constructed like a shadow box, with glass over top, reverse painted orangey-red at the corners (ideal for viewing by candlelight.). Paper, cloth and real dried flowers plus dried moss forming the wreath at center, and scallop edged gold foil surrounding that. Backed with pretty blue paper and with a little hanging loop at top.
4 7/8" x 4 7/8" Very good condition. just some paper loss around the exterior perimeter edges. Stable and sound and shows beautifully.
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