A superb antique stencil cut from repurposed heavy cardboard from an old handwritten ledger, still legible on the front with the inscription “1885 January” accompanied by accounting entries in ink. This recycled material, typical of workshop practices, lends a particularly interesting historical dimension. The openwork design presents a balanced neoclassical composition blending scrolls, stylized foliage, and geometric elements, probably intended for wall decoration or panel embellishment. The entirely hand-cutting demonstrates precise and functional craftsmanship, designed for use with pigments or paint. The visible signs of wear, as well as traces of color, enhance its authenticity and tell the story of its past as a working tool in a decorator's workshop.
✦ Origin: Decorator's workshop, France ✦ Estimated period: Late 19th century ✦ Dimensions: 34 x 27 cm ✦ Material: Heavy-duty cardboard (reused handwritten register) ✦ Condition: Good used condition, stains, paint marks and minor alterations consistent with use
A superb example of the reuse of materials in the workshop and the decorative know-how of the 19th century, ideal for a wall display or a collection of graphic and decorative arts.
