Fancy Antique Hand-stitched Wreath-Like Mat with Velvet Center folk art barn which of course spiritualists attempting

which of course spiritualists attempting to photograph ghosts and auras were simultaneously attempting to do

A little paint loss here and there and a little splitting to the surface of the wood

15" x 12 3/8"

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

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

Fancy Antique Hand-stitched Wreath-Like Mat with Velvet Center folk art barn which of course spiritualists attemptingI 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