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

with doors on the side of one of them that slide open and closed (with nails for handles)

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

There is a very well done old mend

I am thinking this is most likely a piece of British trench art

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