Thirty years ago, there was a woman who sold antique Italian fabrics in a small town in Central California. Her antiques stall was a jumble of heavy velvet drapes and exquisite linens. While sifting through the piles, my mother and I found this needlepoint remnant, crumpled and wadded. I was smitten. The color palette, the delicacy of the birds, the opulence of the leaves.

Thistles and birds, specifically goldfinches, which can eat the seeds from thistles without harm from the thorns, are a distinct pairing, beginning in the iconography of late medieval European art. The thistles prefigure Christ’s crown of thorns; legend says the goldfinch plucked a thorn from Christ’s forehead, was splashed with blood, and its head feathers grew red.

What to say about these birds? They look more like doves, outlined in fine crimson thread, with ruby eyes. In any event, the combination of thistles and birds represents salvation, healing, protection, and resilience. I count ten birds in the image, taupe brown, surrounded by blue thistles. There are a few tiny purple flowers, too, perhaps violets.

Years ago, I had the needlework professionally framed with non-glare, archival plexiglass, with a gold frame and burgundy and gold mats. The mystery remains: was this needlework originally part of a larger piece? There is some slight wear in the center. Could it have been part of a chair? There are no dates or markings, yet it’s obviously very old. Likely older than I realize.

A stunning work of art, 20.5” x 25.25”, with frame, 29” x 34”.

Welcome to the KNA Krush Pad, a carefully curated space featuring “crushable” objects of beauty and utility meant to evoke the Wine Country lifestyle. Many are one-of-a-kind finds from our adventures. No returns or exchanges, so please choose carefully. Price includes shipping. Email Jennifer with questions: Jennifer@knawines.com.