{"product_id":"antique-pressed-seaweed-specimen-large-cross-c-1850s","title":"Antique Pressed Seaweed Specimen Large Cross,  c. 1850s","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSince finding a bundle of antique seaweed pressings from the Isle of Wight a few months ago, I've been looking for more, and so was thrilled to recently find a portfolio of seven of them. They came nicely preserved inside a large piece of paper with folded edges, with \"Specimens of Sea Weeds for Mrs. Bindle\" hand-written on the front. There is a watermark on one piece dated 1852 with the printer name A. Pirie \u0026amp; Sons, who were located in Aberdeen, Scotland, so I'd think these were made not too long after that. In addition to being simply gorgeous, I love the fact that making these reflected an increasing popular interest in the natural world and also a greater freedom for women and girls--an excuse to venture out on their own toward to the sea!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis is the mother of them all--larger at 8 7\/8\" by 7 3\/8\", and with the seaweed beautifully arranged into a large cross. Excellent condition, really special, and super lush; just fantastic, and definitely imparting a feeling of the miraculous! Some age toning to the paper that I think just makes it better. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39528863498436,"sku":"","price":110.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/products\/IMG_9667copy.png?v=1617896949","url":"https:\/\/www.criticaleyefinds.com\/products\/antique-pressed-seaweed-specimen-large-cross-c-1850s","provider":"critical EYE Finds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}