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An extraordinary antique French trousseau bed linen ofexceptional size and quality, dating approximately 1890–1910.
Measuring an enormous 110" wide by 152" long(9'2" x 12'8"), this is the largest antique linen sheet I haveencountered in decades of handling vintage and antique linens.
Even more remarkable, the exceptionally fine linen iswoven in one continuous width with no center seam.
This appears to have been an important trousseau or"best" bed linen, designed to form the decorative upper layer of aformally dressed bed. The upper approximately 48" is richly embellished sothat it could be folded back over the pillows or bolster, displaying theelaborate whitework and large central monogram.
The decorative head section features multiple bands ofbeautiful handwork, including drawn-thread/openwork borders, hemstitching anddelicate white-on-white floral and scrolling embroidery. The ornament continuesapproximately 48" down both sides, creating a decorative frame around theupper portion of the bed.
Centered in this area is a magnificent intertwinedhand-embroidered monogram measuring approximately 8" x 7". A largeletter C is prominent within the elaborate cipher; the remaining intertwinedinitial or initials are difficult to distinguish with certainty. The monogramincorporates padded embroidery, floral details, eyelets and extremely fineneedlework.
The linen itself is particularly beautiful: very fine,closely woven and supple, with the characteristic subtle sheen and drape ofhigh-quality linen.
The bottom is finished with a simpler approximately1" hemstitched edge.
Measures: 110" wide by 152" long. Approximately48" deep decorated head section.
Monogram approximately 10" x 8". Weighs 3 lbs.
The bed shown in the photographs is queen size and isincluded only to demonstrate the extraordinary scale and intended arrangementof the linen.
Condition: Excellent antique condition with remarkablylittle evidence of use. Freshly laundered and pressed. One tiny hole (see close-up), no worn areas orobvious stains noted. There are a couple of tiny, faint smudges that aredifficult to see and do not detract. The delicate embroidery and openwork havesurvived beautifully.
Because of its enormous dimensions, it was not possibleto photograph the entire 110" x 152" linen completely opened in aconventional room setting. Some overall photographs therefore show it folded.
A superb example of turn-of-the-century European household needlework andluxury trousseau linen, impressive both for its extraordinary scale and therefinement of its hand embroidery. An exceptional piece for a collector of fineantique linens, historic textiles or French trousseau work.
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