What is this ? Do you know who made it?

Embroidered fireplace screen. Used as a "sheild between occupants of a room and excessive heat if the fireplace.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_screen

https://www.google.com/search?q=fir...kbfTAhUT0IMKHT3PDIYQ_AUICCgC&biw=1024&bih=649

--- Susan

 

Wow, I never would have figured this out..

Thanks.

 

not many fireplaces in Texas...?

but seriously...u wouldn't think someone would purposely place this close to a roaring fire...

 

Usually used in front of a fireplace when the fire is out. If the fire was burning, you'd use a pole screen between the face and fire, I think the idea was to protect lady's complexions in the days when the difference between infra-red (firelight) and ultra-violet (sunlight) was not understood.

Although too much infra red can cause redness as the blood tries to cool the skin. Neither suntans nor redness were wanted in Georgian times, a fashionable pallor indicated you did not need to work. Or that you were a vampire.

This firescreen is probably 1920s or 30s.

 

Just curious but . . . IF this pole screen were even earlier couldn't it be said that it not only protected a lady's complexion but also her facial makeup way back in the day when wax was the key/base ingredient/component of facial makeup?

 

That is very probably true. Having no use for makeup I simply did not think of it.

 

WAX in makeup???? I just learned something new!!! My Lord, that could be a "Horror Scene" if one got too close to the fireplace!!

 

Hi Aquitaine,
Wax was a common ingredient in make up, never get too close to the fire. Since there was no central heat no problem but the fireplace was a thing to avoid. Lots of layers of fancy clothes kept you pretty warm.
greg

 

What do you think it's worth?

 

Even today beeswax and plant wax is a common ingredient in cosmetics.

"In cosmetics and personal care products, Beeswax and the plant waxes are used in the formulation a wide range of products including baby products, bath products, lipstick, makeup, fragrances, coloring and noncoloring hair products, nail and skin care products, personal cleanliness products, shaving products as well as suncreen and suntan products."

--- Susan

 

Canuaba wax, the main ingredient in mascara. That's why drugstore mascaras work as well as department store ones. The only real difference is the packaging although some brushes work better than others.

Debora

 

I'd have to see more close-up details, but from the one photo you show, it looks like a more modern reproduction. Show the feet, the back, etc.

 

I will take better pictures once I'm back from my travels.

 

ALWAYS an education here!!!!!!!!!!!! I was never one much for mascara!!! Ergo a bit of ignorance