A RARE AND IMPORTANT ENGLISH BAND SAMPLER, SECOND QUARTER 17TH CENTURY |

worked in tent, rice, buttonhole filling, chain, and other stitches on a linen ground; with spangles, metal thread, and seed pearls; depicting various fruits and foliage, three noble women, boxers and animals.

Christie’s South Kensington, Fine Costumes and Textiles, November 14, 1989, lot 260;
Anthony Scaramanga, Witney, Oxfordshire, November 1989;
Vogel Collection no. 523.

Adelaide Weston, 'A Tudor Treasure', The Connoisseur, October 1916, illustrated

In good overall condition. Very scattered losses, slight fading and oxidation to metallic threads and discolouration to canvas, but colours still fresh. Not examined out of frame, with losses and oxidation to gilt and ebonized surface.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

While band samplers were created throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the 'boxer' figures and the economical use of space date this band sampler to the first half of the 17th century. In the early part of the century, linen was expensive so young girls were expected to practice their stitches through a compact series of bands. This sampler, however, also displays wealth with its use of metal thread, spangles, and seed pearls. While samplers were used for practice, they also displayed status and wealth. A very similar band sampler dated 1645, was recorded in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, in 1916 (Adelaide Weston, 'A Tudor Treasure', The Connoisseur, October 1916, p.86, illustrated plate 66).