Wholesale Antique embroidered "Monsieur" towel holder – trousseau linen circa 1900–1930

In family cupboards, fine linens once told much more than a way of keeping house. They accompanied generations, formed part of the trousseau, and sometimes preserved for nearly a century the silent memory of the tables around which a family had gathered. This embroidered "Monsieur" napkin holder belongs to that intimate history of the early 20th century. Made from an old blended linen-and-cotton cloth, it has that slightly textured quality often found in high-quality household linens. At the time the blend was particularly appreciated. The strength of linen met the softness of cotton to produce a textile meant to accompany the life of the home for a long time. All the piece’s elegance is concentrated in its flap. Delicate flowering branches embroidered tone-on-tone run across the light fabric. They surround a small openwork medallion worked with finesse, while a scalloped border finishes the design. Then, almost like a signature, the word "Monsieur" appears in cursive handwriting. That single word takes us back to a practice now disappeared. The table napkin was once kept between meals. Each person would find their own, carefully folded into a textile envelope that allowed it to be identified. In homes where special attention was paid to linens, these napkin holders were embroidered, monogrammed or, as here, reserved for Monsieur or Madame. Datable to the first third of the 20th century, around 1900–1930. Dimensions: approximately 29 cm in length by 12 cm in width. A few signs of age and a few threads needing repair at one end recall its age.