Antique Maltese Lace Beautiful Ecru φ75cm Magnificent Large Round Doily
A beautiful, large Maltese lace doily from the 1800s, purchased in Italy.
This breathtakingly elegant piece, a masterpiece of both design and craftsmanship, was created using dozens of Maltese bobbins.
Originating from the island of Malta, a Mediterranean archipelago south of Italy, Maltese lace is famous for its pale golden, lustrous, egg-yolk colored silk threads. This particular piece, however, is crafted from elegant ivory silk threads, or possibly a silk and linen blend.
The centerpiece prominently features the Maltese cross ✠, its most distinctive element. The entire surface is densely adorned with motifs resembling open-ground flowers like tulips, fern-like leaves, and clusters of flowers similar to lilacs or hydrangeas, as well as suns.
Intricate details include small leaves and Maltese crosses and flowers woven into the outer edge, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship.
According to amateur measurements, the diameter is approximately 75 cm and it weighs about 54g. It is soft, light, smooth, and possesses a subtle, gentle sheen.
There are areas that have been patched and repaired, resembling the layered patchwork of Alençon lace, and a small color change to a pale khaki-gray for about two leaves. These are minor imperfections and would not be noticeable to those who are not concerned with such details. The item has been home-cleaned and is in a sanitary condition.
[History]
Maltese lace, a renowned craft from the island of Malta, which was once a British colony, was praised as a jewel of silk. It was primarily purchased by British royalty, aristocrats, and the wealthy. The cost was so exorbitant that even the lifetime earnings of a commoner would not be enough to purchase a small piece.
The Maltese cross, shaped like four leaves joined together, is often compared to a four-leaf clover. Its defining characteristic is its eight points. Four V-shaped emblems are joined at the base, with the tips of the V's pointing inward and forming the points.
Originally, it was the symbol of the small republic of Amalfi in the 11th century. Later, it was adopted as the symbol of the Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Malta, a Christian military order. Their mission was to protect Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. The order also served as a hospital and eventually became a major force in defending the Holy Land and fighting against the Islamic forces. Malta, being a prosperous trading hub, became a crucial strategic point for defense.
The eight points are said to symbolize the eight homelands of the brave warriors who gathered to join the order, or the eight virtues of a knight, such as loyalty, piety, honesty, courage, and honor.
The supreme spirit and aspiration of noble virtues, their practice, were revered in many European countries and institutions, leading to numerous prestigious honors.
It is said that even Great Britain, the ruling power at the time, strictly prohibited the use of the noble Maltese cross ✠ motif, which required immense effort, time, and skill to create.
Golden and white versions are also available:
Antique Maltese Lace 46cm White Silk Bobbin-Woven Doily ✠ Maltese Cross
This breathtakingly elegant piece, a masterpiece of both design and craftsmanship, was created using dozens of Maltese bobbins.
Originating from the island of Malta, a Mediterranean archipelago south of Italy, Maltese lace is famous for its pale golden, lustrous, egg-yolk colored silk threads. This particular piece, however, is crafted from elegant ivory silk threads, or possibly a silk and linen blend.
The centerpiece prominently features the Maltese cross ✠, its most distinctive element. The entire surface is densely adorned with motifs resembling open-ground flowers like tulips, fern-like leaves, and clusters of flowers similar to lilacs or hydrangeas, as well as suns.
Intricate details include small leaves and Maltese crosses and flowers woven into the outer edge, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship.
According to amateur measurements, the diameter is approximately 75 cm and it weighs about 54g. It is soft, light, smooth, and possesses a subtle, gentle sheen.
There are areas that have been patched and repaired, resembling the layered patchwork of Alençon lace, and a small color change to a pale khaki-gray for about two leaves. These are minor imperfections and would not be noticeable to those who are not concerned with such details. The item has been home-cleaned and is in a sanitary condition.
[History]
Maltese lace, a renowned craft from the island of Malta, which was once a British colony, was praised as a jewel of silk. It was primarily purchased by British royalty, aristocrats, and the wealthy. The cost was so exorbitant that even the lifetime earnings of a commoner would not be enough to purchase a small piece.
The Maltese cross, shaped like four leaves joined together, is often compared to a four-leaf clover. Its defining characteristic is its eight points. Four V-shaped emblems are joined at the base, with the tips of the V's pointing inward and forming the points.
Originally, it was the symbol of the small republic of Amalfi in the 11th century. Later, it was adopted as the symbol of the Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Malta, a Christian military order. Their mission was to protect Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. The order also served as a hospital and eventually became a major force in defending the Holy Land and fighting against the Islamic forces. Malta, being a prosperous trading hub, became a crucial strategic point for defense.
The eight points are said to symbolize the eight homelands of the brave warriors who gathered to join the order, or the eight virtues of a knight, such as loyalty, piety, honesty, courage, and honor.
The supreme spirit and aspiration of noble virtues, their practice, were revered in many European countries and institutions, leading to numerous prestigious honors.
It is said that even Great Britain, the ruling power at the time, strictly prohibited the use of the noble Maltese cross ✠ motif, which required immense effort, time, and skill to create.
Golden and white versions are also available:
Antique Maltese Lace 46cm White Silk Bobbin-Woven Doily ✠ Maltese Cross
Category
Craft
Condition
Some scratches/marks
Shipping
Included in price (by seller)
From
Kanagawa
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