Miniature watercolor portrait of a blue-eyed woman in a yellow dress, in a pyrography wood frame. The maple frame is decorated with a burned pattern of a rococo style cartouche with diaper work and flowers. Judging from the woman's dress, the piece dates to around 1895.

Pyrography (pyro=fire, graphy=writing) was the art of burning a design into wood with a hot metal tool, one extensively promulgated as a home project in ladies’ magazines in the years around 1900. You could buy a kit with the tools and pattern for your project or do it all yourself at home. Pyrography was typically used on small pieces such as handkerchief or glove boxes, decorative plaques or frames, and occasionally on larger furniture.

You can check out my post on pyrography on Etsy's Blog here:

https://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2013/history-pyrography/

The portrait measures about 2 7/8 inches high, 2 1/8 inches wide (sight). The outer measurement of the frame is about 11 3/4 x 9 1/4 inches. Wire on the reverse for hanging.

Overall condition is good. Some surface wear, scratches, and staining to the front surface of the frame. The frame was apparently originally backed in leather, as there are remnants apparent around the outer perimeter; newer paper now forms the backing. The edges of the frame have dings and losses, especially at the top right corner. The watercolor itself appears to be painted on paper and in good condition; it has not been examined out of frame.