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

rubbing yellow paws together mischievously

There is a very well done old mend

such that if one attached a wire handle to the hook on the backside s/he would dance with great alacrity

and chewed for their effects as a mild stimulant

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