A tall, thin decorative panel of carved hardwood, probably juniper, carved all over with chip carving consisting largely of roundels and geometric decoration.

A tall, thin decorative panel of carved hardwood, probably juniper, carved all over with chip carving consisting largely of roundels and geometric decoration.
The centre of the panel is carved with five roundels and two half roundels with geometric decoration in the Gothic tradition. The panel is surrounded by a raised frame of formal leaves issuing from a central stem from which issue alternating sprigs of flowers that lie over the leaves. The stems joine and intertwine at the base, then separate below as two cords that end in tassels. In the area between the frame and the cords are carved quarter-fan motifs and flowers. Across the top of the frame runs a braided motif. From the centre of this rises a vase with a circular body on a long stem, supporting a formal spray of flowers that forms the finial of the panel. To the outer side of the framing leaves on the sidew are carved and pierced half roundels. These continue along the base and the cresting, arching behind the vase body, to either side of which are carved half-round flower-heads.

Given by Mr. Arthur. G. Martin, in memory of E. J. May

This decorative panel shows much skill in the laying out of the geometric decoration that is its focus. Roundels such as this, divided by compasses into a variety of patterns, had been used for ornament since the early Medieval period and continued to be used by makers in traditional societies. Although the V&A has generally concentrated on collecting pieces designed and made for elite societies, the collections also include a number of pieces such as this one that can be classified as Folk Art.

W.17-1956