Vintage 1920s Needlepoint Hooked Rug - Quebec Folk Art

This is a wonderful vintage needlepoint wall hanging signed by the maker, Izella Tessier. The piece is made of wool and although technically not a hooked rug, it has the size of a rug, but is meant to hang on a wall - there are loops applied along the upper edge at the back to enable hanging. Due to her unusual name, we were able to research Izella, who was born in 1916, a resident of Saint Stanislas, Quebec. This piece features a “Mary Had a Little Lamb” crochet/needlepoint pattern that was popular during the 1920s and colors that were popular during the mid 1920s. It was most likely worked by Izella as a young girl as needle crafts were an important part of girls‘ education in those days. Please view the photos for an understanding of the stitching, which is applied to a burlap base.

This piece measures 59” by 32” and is in very good condition with minor wear commensurate with a piece of its type and age. There is wear to the stitching at the edge, one area at the top and a few places at the right and at the bottom. There are two very small white paint splashes to the upper right, but these are quite minor and probably could be removed. There is a blue patch (see photos of front and back) that appears to be contemporary to the making of the piece. Finally, there is abrashing/dye lot fading in patches, which is actually rather desirable on a folk art piece like this.

This is a collectible piece of Quebec folk art - nice large size, signed by the maker and with a very decorative subject.