RESERVED
 
An exceptional example of a First World War 'sweetheart cushion'. Padded cushion decorated with pinned beads, sequins, and chromolithographs. In good condition, and comes with glazed display case.
 
These sawdust-filled, heart-shaped pinchusions were handed out to convalescing servicemen who had been wounded in the war. The men then decorated them with pins, beads, and scraps of fabric to create their own unique love token to send home to their sweethearts. They were considered an essential form of occupational therapy for the men. Now, they are considered lovely examples of early 20th century folk art.