Posted 6 years ago
artfoot
(367 items)
I really have no clue what these are or what their original purpose was. I'm really hoping someone here can tell me something about them. I'm calling them place mats because that is what they look like. The larger faded one sat on the bottom of a small display case for so long that I've forgotten when I got it. I've always marveled at the coralene covered decoration. Was it functional? Like a hot pad or a lamp cloth? If they were meant to be covered, why so elaborate? Then a few years ago while trying to research the one I had, I found three more for sale. These three were smaller but looked like they looked when they were new. Two were the same florid Asian design as the larger one and one with a fanciful hacienda scene. So, now I knew they were made in at least two different sizes and with at least two different designs.
The large mat measures 10" by 14"; the smaller mats measure 7" by 9". The coralene surface looks to be tiny black, transparent red, and clear glass beads affixed to white cloth. The backs are plain black felt. The layers are apparently bonded together - they don't pull apart. The edges have a braided, looped edging sewn on. Though only read easily on the larger one, all (as part of the design) have the initials "B.T." near the lower left and the letter "J" and a copyright symbol near lower center.
Any thoughts about the who, what, or when of these items would be greatly appreciated.
