This is an exquisite and old hand made adornment once used by the Catholic Church, either as part of a vestment or as an altar decoration, as I was told by an appraiser for Antiques Roadshow, who was very excited about this item. Very fragile silk was embroidered with flowers and leaves, a purple heart with a flame coming out of the top, and a purple rose. The embroidery was trimmed with tiny faceted gold and silver metal beads. Some of the embroidery threads are fine, delicate gold. Four small sections of handmade lace flowers were sewn on near the top. There are sections of gorgeous tapestry-like gold ribbon attached to it. The top, embroidered piece was then hand stitched to sections of sturdier linen fabric, and edged with gold openwork metal wire trim. You can see the tiny hem stitches in purple, and then in red, thread. The shape is a half-circle. The silk fabric shows the age, with some fraying. The green embroidery thread has bled around the leaves, forming an outline to them. The back cloth is dirty from age and long ago use. Click for Price @ GoAntiques.com
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