Would This Be Considered A Sampler?

Hi,
I picked this up today, trying to find an age for it, where is was made and if this would be considered a sampler. 10" x 11", not including the piece for hanging. This has some stuffing inside, feels like straw.
Any info appreciated.
Mary

 

I wouldn't call it a sampler. Looks like a "pillow" either as a souvenir or a gift. Oudiijaar looks Dutch to me (or a variant like Africaans.) Could be a place name?

Very cute, whatever it is.

 

It's Dutch alright. Oudejaar is New Years.

 

I want to leave this blank because I got ahead of myself over-thinking something about the year.

 

I see 1878.

 

That's what I see also, Kentworld. But I was trying to tie the year 1878 to a specific event in the history of the Netherlands.

You know, like people in the USA have sprinkled lots of "projects" with "1776" for more than two centuries.

 

Thanks bakers. I was trying Oudiijaar, didn't realize it was an 'e'. I asked on the textile board and it was suggested maybe a church kneeler.

 

Sorry, I missed seeing the other response. Yes, 1878 is the year. I wonder if the letters at the top are the initials of the person that made this.
Good thought yourturn, I'll see what I can find.

 

If that is a lamb in the middle perhaps a church kneeler or if other symbols appear to be religious in nature, but if it is a dog in the middle . . . unless it was a kneeler used in a home and not carried with the person to church.

 

When I first saw it, I thought a lamb, but I believe it is a dog. From looking at google, looks like they can have almost any design on them. I recall visiting family years ago and you had to take your own cushions or felt the pain of kneeling on wood.

 

I don't see any wear from use as a kneeler.

 

On the subject of the letters above the dog/lamb. Can you tell what the second one is supposed to be? All I can think of is a Y, but it seems to have some pulled threads.

If it was meant to be a personal item, they could be the initials of the owner/user too.

 

Thanks bakers. Here is a better photo of the letters - maybe IMVD?

 

Oooooooh. I M V D

I thought the first letter was an H.

 

And with a period at the end of IMVD, it might be an abbreviation rather than an acronym/initialism?

 

Great minds, Fig! I meant to say that, but forgot.

Of course, it could still be a person's initials. Dutch surnames starting with "Van" + a word standing for a place of origin usually have a space inserted between the two parts in the traditional form, i.e. Van Dyke.

 

Not a sampler; there are no "samples" of designs or stitches. Decorative needlepoint pillow.

 

I think Oudejaar may translates to "years old" while Nieuwjaar translates to New Year. Oudjaar, no e in the middle, translates to New Year's Eve. The IMVD may be Roman numerals; however, I can't make IMVD into any plausible age like so many years old.

--- Susan

 

Maybe IMVD stands for some phrase in Dutch. Or could it be Roman Numerals? I can't figure it out.

 

The I could also be J -- was written like that quite commonly. Iohannes = Johannes, etc.