27" x 11" (68 x 28 cm). Posed upon a blue velvet covered cushion edged with metallic woven threads and gilt tassels is a wooden pine spindle of woven flax. The flax is decorated with a bouquet of silk flowers in silver and gold motif that emerge from the crest and cascade down the sides. The pillow is posed upon an ebony wooden pedestal, and the entire arrangement is on a wooden base protected by a four-sided glass dome. The spindled flax, known as "Quenouille", was a dominant symbol in Europe for centuries, its meaning ranging from a mystical view of the power of women (the weavers) to a symbolic statement of the duties of women in society. In 19th century France the meaning was clear; it symbolized a society in which the role of women was clearly defined as the care of the home and family. Traditionally, the bride-to-be wove spindles of flax or linen or wool and then sold them to pay for decorations or candles or flowers for her wedding. Thus few still remain, such as this beautiful work decorated with the bridal bouquet and enhanced by the clasped hands of bride and groom at the pedestal base. French, circa 1880.