The second of two original mid 19th century Shaker letterpress printed paper labels today, which I choose very specifically for their specific resonances. This one I know dates to around 1850s, produced by the Watervliet Shakers (the very first Shaker community, established in 1776, and led by Mother Ann Lee.) I love antique Shaker labels in general, but for me this is all about"Hearts-Ease" itself, as an herb and even more so as an idea, perfect as a small flower-framed rectangle at the center of a soft pink wrap type label, with the space around the text feeling very vast. And with light toning/staining to top right and bottom left corners showing an ashy gray, like shadows creeping in--to my sensibilities, just right as metaphor. As with the other listed today, I definitely bought this one first and foremost for myself--immediate recognition, pure poetry.
6" x 4 3/4". Light toning/staining to upper right and lower left corners as evident, though somewhat more pronounced in photos than in hand, with a couple of tiny edge losses there as shown.
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