Two Designs for an Embroidered Tea Cosy, with Max and Moritz - Johanna Quirina van Regteren Altena

A technical design for an embroidered tea cosy featuring the characters Max and Moritz, rendered on graph paper.

This work presents two distinct patterns intended for the decoration of a tea cosy. Johanna Quirina van Regteren Altena utilised graph paper as her base, a common practice for designers creating cross-stitch or needlepoint templates. The grid allows for precise calculation of stitches, ensuring the final textile product maintains the geometric clarity seen in the drawing.

The subjects are Max and Moritz, the mischievous protagonists from the famous German illustrated story by Wilhelm Busch. Each figure is contained within a domed arch, mirroring the shape of a traditional tea cosy. The left figure wears a blue jacket, while the right figure is depicted in green. Their features are rendered with minimal, blocky strokes, reflecting the constraints of the medium. The artist employs a simple colour palette, using muted tones that contrast against the tan grid lines of the paper.

Van Regteren Altena was part of a generation of Dutch artists who engaged with the decorative arts during the early twentieth century. Her work here demonstrates a functional approach to design, where the requirements of the craft dictate the visual output. The inclusion of literary characters suggests a domestic context, likely intended for a family home where such stories were familiar. The composition is balanced and symmetrical, providing a clear guide for the embroiderer. By using graph paper, the artist bridges the gap between a conceptual sketch and a technical instruction manual. This piece offers a glimpse into the methodical preparation required for domestic needlework during this period, showing how popular culture was integrated into everyday household objects through careful planning and execution.