Lovely Antique Hand-Embroidered Velvet Emery/Pin Cushion

This sweet hand-embroidered antique pin cushion is filled with emery powder--meant for sharpening needles as well as holding pins. I like the improvisatory feel of the embroidery on it, as if done not according to any plan, but just whatever emerged. Excellent star-like red flowers and a couple of yellow leaves that look like hearts. Constructed of a sort of dark brown-green velvet. c. later 19th c.

4 1/2" l (center of short side to point) x 3" w x 7/8" d. Good antique condition, clearly used, with some wear to the surface of the velvet and stitches lost to the embroidery here and there, I don't find at all detracting. Very sturdy and sound, with the emery inside making it heavy for its size.