Unique Embroidered linen sampler with silk, Groningen, Netherlands, 1853 Embroidered linen sampler with dark brown silk in cross-stitch. The central designs, from top to bottom, are: an eight pointed star with a flower embroidered at the end of each point, a tree, a tall two-handled vase with five conventional tulips. The initials 'SF' are embroidered on either side of the central tree and above each of them is a two-handled vase containing a large conventional tulip and a Greek-cross motif. Arranged symmetrically down each side is a quatrefoil vase with a seven-flowered plant, a cockerel and a basket with two handles and three feet bearing three conventional carnations. The date '1853' occurs twice. Initials are embroidered on the sampler: 'WDF', 'ETW', 'SWF', 'DWF', 'MWF'. It has a chevron border.