Sampler Item Number: 1222/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A fine rectangular linen sampler showing variations of the technique of weaving with needle and thread. A centre medallion, worked in cross stitch embroidery, contains the date of 1767 and several sets of initials from the top right clockwise: CL, S, CS, CS, LS with B, and EK in the middle. The medallion is framed with bands of plain weaving stitch in red-brown thread. Ten rectangular sample blocks of different weaving patterns surround the medallion. The patterns include plain weave, twill weave, diamond pattern, check pattern, herringbone pattern, chevron pattern, and stripe pattern worked in two colours. One sample is multi-coloured. The samples are reversible. Decorative stitchery in all four corners. The left edge is a selvage while the other edges are finished with a rolled hem.
History Of Use
The technique of weaving with needle and thread was taught to girls to enable them to mend clothing by perfectly imitating the weave of the cloth and thus lengthen the lifespan of a garment. Girls did this type of sampler before marriage, to demonstrate their thrift.
Narrative
The several sets of initials on this sampler indicate that several girls worked on this piece, perhaps members of the same family (?). The name of the original owner is unknown; however, this piece was in the family of Maria Kainz, who received it in 1972 from her mother. It was given to her mother, whose surname was Rijshauwer, after World War II by her aunts, whose surname was Prins. The aunts lived in The Hague, and the family assumes that it came from that region, since, according to Mrs. Kainz, "people in Holland move very little."
Item History
- Made in The Hague, Netherlands ?
- Owned by Maria Kainz before July 10, 1987
- Received from Maria Kainz (Seller) and Ruth Read Bequest (Funding source) on July 10, 1987
What
- Name
- Sampler
- Identification Number
- 1222/1
- Type of Item
- sampler
- Material
- dye, linen fibre and cotton fibre ?
- Manufacturing Technique
- spun, woven, cut and embroidered
- Overall
- height 0.2 cm, width 40.7 cm, depth 49.1 cm
Who
- Culture
- Dutch
- Previous Owner
- Maria Kainz
- Received from
- Maria Kainz (Seller) and Ruth Read Bequest (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- The Hague, Netherlands ?
When
- Ownership Date
- before July 10, 1987
- Acquisition Date
- on July 10, 1987
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 1222/0001