Fancy Antique Hand-stitched Wreath-Like Mat with Velvet Center folk art barn A little paint loss here

A little paint loss here and there and a little splitting to the surface of the wood

which of course spiritualists attempting to photograph ghosts and auras were simultaneously attempting to do

such that if one attached a wire handle to the hook on the backside s/he would dance with great alacrity

rubbing yellow paws together mischievously

with a bit of roughness to the left edge and scattered spotting/toning

Fancy Antique Hand-stitched Wreath-Like Mat with Velvet Center folk art barn A little paint loss hereI love the back of this mat as much as the front, revealing all of the hand stitching involved in its construction. I'm guessing made as a candle mat, with one candle to stand on the black velvet at center (a wonderfully imperfectly shaped circle). Found in Pennsylvania, late 19th c. I would guess. I'd be inclined to hang it on the wall, like a shining star or sun or wreath, but it would also be great at the center of the table. Approx 12" in diameter