With the exception of a very small unadorned middle section of the finest off white
linen lawn, the entire surface of this hankie is hand embroidered with beautiful
satin stitch flowers, and delicate seed stitching.
This particular handkerchief features
an amazing amount of embroidery, with large corner medallions and embroidered roses
comprised entirely of tiny seed stitches high lighted with satin stitches. Also,
all of the different types of leaves on this hankie are formed of seed stitches,
surrounded by satin stitch.
The embroidery pattern features a center garland, surrounded by intricate drawn
work, satin stitch scallops, profuse floral decorations, and a lovely satin stitch
scallop edge. Interestingly, even sections of the satin stitch edging is scalloped;
so we have a scalloped hanky edge, that is covered with tiny satin stitches, sections
of which even feature scalloped stitch work! I do not believe I have ever seen this
before. Needless to say, the hand embroidered workmanship and intricate detail in
this hankie is quite amazing.
It features high quality hand executed embroidered decorations similar to Portuguese
examples, however it is likely from Formosa, where skilled needle workers were competing
for the same profitable embroidery trade of the period, c. 1920’s - 40’s.
While this hanky had never been used or laundered, it showed some overall age/storage
related darkening, so I carefully soaked and gently pressed it. It is now clean
and fresh. I did not use bleach, so the hanky would likely lighten to pure snow
white if desired, with the use of bleach/brightener. Due to low light the color in
our images does not show with complete accuracy.
This hanky is in exceptionally nice condition. There are no holes, tears, snags,
stains or other problems. It is really lovely, with outstanding hand embroidery
work.
This fine vintage textile would make a very lovely wedding or bridal handkerchief.
