Fancy Antique Hand-stitched Wreath-Like Mat with Velvet Center folk art barn rubbing yellow paws together mischievously

rubbing yellow paws together mischievously

with a terrific green glaze around the body

15" x 12 3/8"

A little paint loss here and there and a little splitting to the surface of the wood

I am thinking this is most likely a piece of British trench art

Fancy Antique Hand-stitched Wreath-Like Mat with Velvet Center folk art barn rubbing yellow paws together mischievouslyI love the back of this mat as much as the front, revealing all of the hand stitching involved in its construction. I'm guessing made as a candle mat, with one candle to stand on the black velvet at center (a wonderfully imperfectly shaped circle). Found in Pennsylvania, late 19th c. I would guess. I'd be inclined to hang it on the wall, like a shining star or sun or wreath, but it would also be great at the center of the table. Approx 12" in diameter