Overview: A captivating and authentic 1824 needlework sampler executed by 10-year-old Emma Jeff. This piece features the classic "Adam and Eve" motif beneath a central Tree of Life laden with fruit. The composition is flanked by a symmetrical arrangement of stags, birds, and flowering urns, all enclosed within a stylized undulating strawberry vine border—a symbol of righteousness and good works in 19th-century iconography.

The Verse & Inscription: The upper portion contains a religious or moralistic verse, common to the period. The lower cartouche clearly identifies the young artisan: "Emma Jeff finished this work in the year of our Lord 1824 in the 10 years of her age"

Material & Construction: Finely worked silk threads on a hand-woven linen or linsey-woolsey ground. The color palette remains remarkably warm, with earthy greens, reds, and creams.

Condition: The sampler presents in good antique condition for its 200-year age. There is consistent age-toning to the ground fabric and some expected fading to the silk. Minor thread loss is visible in the inscription and border. It is housed in an antique frame with a wooden backing that shows significant age and original iron nails; however, a conservator would recommend acid-free mounting to preserve the linen long-term.

Item dimensions: 19 in tall × 16 in wide × .75 in deep  

Weight of item: 2.5 lb  

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