Russian hand stitched embroidery from the 1800's / 19th century (and believed to originate from the Saint Petersberg area) that was used as a decoration across the front of an icon corner shelf. In the Eastern Christian spiritual classic, The Way of a Pilgrim, the author speaks about how "……in the devout Russian's room the icon will hang or rest on a shelf diagonally across a corner.....and a reverence will be made to it by a person entering or leaving the room". Outlined / bordered with a very fine white silk cloth, the main field design of raised flowers, highlighted with different sized and various coloured beads, are stitched onto a hand woven red cotton backing. It has been in the one collectors hands for more than a generation, and was framed behind glass during most of that time. While no longer framed, because of its relative fragility it remains mounted on a solid backing board. Size of the piece is 54cm x 25cm at center (approx. 21.25" x 9.75"), with the backing board 62cm x 32cm (approx. 24.5" x 12.5"). Attractive and well preserved, and in good condition for its age, it is certainly a collectible item as they are not often seen for sale. Note: the photo showing it decorating an icon shelf is Only An Example Of How It Was Used and not meant to imply this specific piece 'in use'.