Fancy Antique Hand-stitched Wreath-Like Mat with Velvet Center interesting tool with theorem painting--as the embroidery

with theorem painting--as the embroidery very much mimics a theorem on velvet of a basket of flowers in terms not just of composition but also manner of execution

or just sitting closed

I'm guessing this was taken about c

which I'd be most inclined to put in

and 39 figures by my count

Fancy Antique Hand-stitched Wreath-Like Mat with Velvet Center interesting tool with theorem painting--as the embroideryI 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