26-100 Exceptional Early PA German Show Towel

Price: 300

Sold by Phillips and Durkin Antiques

26-100. An exceptional early Pennsylvania German linen Show towel embroidered with colored thread and dated 1807. The upper panel is inscribed with the names Anna Stolsfus and Barbara Zook and decorated with a delicate foliate border enclosing stylized floral motifs and two hearts bearing the initials "JZ" and "BZ," all executed in the restrained palette characteristic of the earliest nineteenth century work. The lower section consists of a separately constructed handmade darned filet lace panel depicting a pair of heraldic birds flanking flowering tulips, a central flowerpot, and an eight-pointed star—iconic motifs of Pennsylvania German folk art. A finely crocheted fringe completes the lower edge. The towel measures approximately 49" long x 18 ¼” wide.