{"product_id":"antique-english-pictorial-sampler-by-mary-noah-aged-9-c-1835-tree-of-life-cockerel","title":"Antique English Pictorial Sampler by Mary Noah, Aged 9, c.1835 | Tree of Life \u0026 Cockerel","description":"\u003ch2\u003eEarly Victorian Pictorial Sampler\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorked circa 1835–1836 by nine-year-old Mary Noah of Portsea, Hampshire, this exceptional early Victorian schoolgirl sampler is one of the finest examples of its kind, a richly composed pictorial piece in remarkable condition for a textile nearly 190 years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParish register records confirm the maker: Mary Noah, baptized 7 January 1827 in the historic naval port of Portsea, Hampshire, daughter of John and Elizabeth Noah. Stitched at the peak of her schoolhouse needlework education, this piece stands as a stunning testament to early Victorian female education and domestic craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMotifs \u0026amp; Composition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCentral Tree of Life, \u003c\/strong\u003ea highly detailed branching tree populated by perched birds, a classic British motif symbolizing life, growth, and spiritual grounding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Strutting Cockerel, \u003c\/strong\u003ea large, beautifully executed rooster dominates the top center, traditionally symbolizing watchfulness and industriousness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConfronted Animals, \u003c\/strong\u003esymmetrical facing animals flank the base of the tree, their distinct long ears and stocky build reminiscent of stylized donkeys or ponies common to the Hampshire trade ports\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMaterials \u0026amp; Condition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGround:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural linen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThreads:\u003c\/strong\u003e Silk throughout, with exceptional color retention, the palette remains vivid and lustrous after nearly 190 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good antique condition with some holes and wear visible, as shown in the second image. The inscription and imagery remain entirely crisp, clear, and legible. Notably, mounting the sampler onto a backing of matching natural linen, a traditional and widely used conservation technique, causes these holes to virtually disappear, resulting in a beautifully presented display piece.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDetails\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArtisan:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mary Noah, baptized 7 January 1827, Portsea, Hampshire, England\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early Victorian \/ William IV transition, c.1835–1836\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 13\" × 13\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Verified via English parish registers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA rare opportunity to own a piece of early 19th century English needlework history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Wishing Thorn","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45205123236022,"sku":null,"price":425.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0558\/0318\/3286\/files\/1_196f7256-e8fd-43e2-936f-972621f8bc41.jpg?v=1782078854","url":"https:\/\/thewishingthorn.com\/products\/antique-english-pictorial-sampler-by-mary-noah-aged-9-c-1835-tree-of-life-cockerel","provider":"The Wishing Thorn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}