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Henri Cartier Bresson. Athens, 1953

Embroidered Casket about 1675, England, wood covered with satin, silk and metal thread, mica and glass beads, ivory (figures in the garden) 32 x 21 x 26cm

In many cases the final challenge [for a woman learning embroidery] was the production of a casket like this one, depicting scenes from myth or the Bible using a wide range of stitches and materials. In particular these caskets employ raised work, the technique of embroidering over padding.

It is probable that each individual figure or element was sewn independently and then applied to the delicate white satin background. This meant that the needlewoman could experiment and correct mistakes which would be impossible to rework on the satin. Once the panels were completed they were sent to a local cabinet-maker who mounted them on wood and made them up into a casket. The silver braid conceals the joins and prevents the satin from fraying.