Lion with Key, Figures, Alphabet and More, c. Early 19th Century Needlepoint Sampler Worked From All Sides hand shaped hanger This guy was surely once

This guy was surely once attached to a string

Painting measures 12" x 9"

with the velvet face reminding me of old pin cushions I've seen

and would guess the face meant to be that of a bear

super sculptural and graphic and rather iconic feeling

Lion with Key, Figures, Alphabet and More, c. Early 19th Century Needlepoint Sampler Worked From All Sides hand shaped hanger This guy was surely onceI am more or less certain this is European, early 19th century or so I believe. I love the lion, of course, with wonderfully winding and branching tail, and also really like it for having been worked in the round from all sides, which I've rarely seen. With what appears to me a family of four figures facing the inverse direction (maybe a pet, too?), and a couple of flowering trees around the corner from them. The alphabet marches around in the same