Name

American Masonic Royal Arch Apron by James T. Porter.

Origin/date 

USA, by or after James T. Porter,  c. 1810-1830.

Material and dimensions

Satin, hand-colored engraving on velvet. 44 cm square.

Description

Painted on the flap is an all-seeing eye with glory rays. The central motif is the alter with the bible, square and compass. Underneath a checkered pavement. Seven  steps lead up to the alter. A pair of columns flank the central motif. On top they make an arch. On each side are more masonic and Royal Ark symbols: sun, moon, beehive, dove, ark of the convenant, and a cirkel with the letters HTWSSTKS (Hiram, Tyrian, Widow’s Son...).

Provenance

USA, Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales (Hillsborough, South Carolina), Dec. 2nd. 2006, lot 151.

The apron was owned bij John W.L. Tylee, a bookkeeper in Charleston after the Civil War. His letter book is in the manuscript collection of the  University of S. Carolina Society's Library. Est. 500-700 (Information supplied by the auction house).

Literature

Scottisch Rite Masonic Museum of our National Heritage. Bespangled Painted & Embroidered. Decorated Masonic Aprons in America, 1980, pp. 92.