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Sampler (needlework)

Europe tradition · 5 examples · indicative market tier: Under $500 (entry level & living craft)

A needlework sampler is a piece of embroidery or cross-stitching produced as a 'specimen of achievement', demonstration or a test of skill in needlework. It often includes the alphabet, figures, motifs, decorative borders and sometimes the name of the person who embroidered it and the date. The word sampler is derived from the Latin exemplum, which means 'example'. Wikipedia →

Types & examples

Sampler (AM 1962.137-3)
Sampler (AM 1962.137-3)
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Guildhall Museum Collection Large Needlework Sampler 3170c
Guildhall Museum Collection Large Needlework Sampler 3170c
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Sampler (AM 1965.78-19)
Sampler (AM 1965.78-19)
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Sampler (Unfinished) (ST459) - Embroidery-Sampler - MoMu Antwerp
Sampler (Unfinished) (ST459) - Embroidery-Sampler - MoMu Antwerp
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sampler (ST526) - Embroidery-Sampler - MoMu Antwerp
Sampler (ST526) - Embroidery-Sampler - MoMu Antwerp
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Where to buy

1stDibsHigh-end antiques & design marketplaceBrowse listings → LiveAuctioneersAggregated live auctions worldwideBrowse listings → InvaluableAuction-house listings & price archiveBrowse listings → Christie'sMajor-auction results & upcoming salesBrowse listings → EtsyLiving artisans & vintage dealersBrowse listings → eBayBroad secondary market — vet sellers carefullyBrowse listings →

Each link opens a live, image-rich search for this craft on that marketplace. Listings rotate constantly; authenticate significant pieces independently — attribution quality varies widely outside museum collections.