Late 18th c. FRENCH Sablé Beadwork Spade Shaped Pin Cushion
In the 18th c. micro bead work, called sablé, was a specialty of dedicated French ateliers. Very fine grade translucent and opaque glass beads were individually stitched onto linen ground.
This unusual spade shape cushion features a central column of winding botanicals capped by what appears to have been a face. The spade has an architectural landscape of a provincial church, with the initials J.P. and __ L.
The Museum of Fine Arts Boston has a range of examples of sablé work from the 18th and 19th c. Just use the word "sable" to search their collections. They have one sable spade pin cushion from the same period.
DATE:
1780s
SIZE:
9.5" x 4" x 1"
CONDITION:
Wear appropriate to age and material. Bead loss in several spots, especially at top and bottom. Darkening and foxing to linen ground.