Folk Art

Antique Schoolgirl Handmade Envelope with Musical Instruments
  • A humble handmade envelope that beautifully depicts the elegance practiced by schoolgirls and young ladies in the 1830s. This handmade and watercolor painted envelope is created from a single sheet of paper. It is decorated with musical instruments (a bass, flute, and trumpet) with sheet music in the background. Garlands of roses decorate the central panel and the top flap. The side and back panels are beautifully decorated with red berries and foliage. The bottom panel has delicate cuts in which the top flap weaves closed and those cuts are decorated by tiny blue dots. Folded, the envelope measures 3” x 2 ¼”. Opened up fully as I have framed it, the paper measures 5 ¾” x 6 1/8”. I’ve lightly attached it to acid free red paper with Japanese rice paper in a period gilt frame which measures 8 ¼” x 10”. Circa 1830 and a real treasure.

    #5591     $575