In the beginning of the 19th century, stenciling was an important decorative art. This book, compiled from the author’s first-hand research and from her own vast collection of stencil designs, is the most authoritative source available. It is a summary of stenciled walls from all over – dozens of sites are located and described with details on colors, popular motifs, tools and equipment, etc. Countless trays, couches, cornices, wardrobes, pianos, clocks, Hitchock chairs, and more are completely described and illustrated. The text is interesting and more detailed than any other book on the subject, making this excellent book a must for anyone interested in this beautiful but now-vanished art.