B.B. (1699)

A Dutch sampler from the province "Friesland" in the north of Holland. Many of the Friesan samplers are broader in width than in height. The large alphabets on these samplers typically have the letters surrounded in outline stitch in a different color with little circles or curly stitches. As most Dutch samplers they contain a large amount of spot motifs, often haphazardly placed. Ours has these as well as a scene along the bottom of a typical Dutch house of the period surrounded by trees, a man driving a cart & horse, man on a ladder, as well as deer, storks, birds and a windmill.

In the center is a beautiful tree of life with birds on it, the birds connect us to heaven. Four sided figure on far right symbolizes the world of nature (four elements). Heart near the top with a crown on it and arrows through it is a symbol for God's love. Eagles symbolize might and faith. Eight sided figure symbolizes completeness. The tree of life appears in many forms throughout history, it is one of the most important motifs - a symbol of the hereafter. Our sampler is reproduced from the original in the "Ottema Kingma Stichting" on loan to the Fries Museum in
Leeuwarden, the Netherlands. Access no. 1957-103. Stitches include cross, double running, Algerian eye and herringbone.

Size: Finished Size: 25 1/4" x 11 1/2" (64cm x 29cm)
Thread Count: 30 count (12 thr/cm) on dyed linen.
Colour: Colors: Greens, blues, golds and beiges
Recommended Level: Intermediate
Cost: cht. 19.00
Categories: Dutch & German
ID: 121

All prices are in US Dollars.