Antique Italian Maltese Lace Golden Silk Bobbin Lace Approx. 20cm Doily α
An antique Maltese lace piece from Italy, circa 1860-1910.
This handmade round doily is crafted from very fine, pale golden silk threads, native to the island of Malta in the Mediterranean. Dozens of Maltese bobbins were used to weave these lustrous, golden silk threads, creating a beautiful, shimmering effect.
Measuring 21.5-19 cm in diameter and weighing approximately 7g, it is incredibly light and airy. The golden hue is so strong it rivals real gold, with a smooth, divine, and glossy finish.
The centerpiece features the Maltese Cross ✠, a symbol of Malta, intricately woven. It is surrounded by what appears to be 19 small flowers, with the rim adorned by 35 flowers. The design is floral, with bridges connecting spaces.
While there are no stains or dirt, there are some distortions and irregularities in the shape and weave. You may find areas with thin threads, a slight fuzziness like down, knots from thread ends, or spreading from thread tips, visible on both the front and back. This piece is recommended for those who do not mind these characteristics.
Each strand is either a single, very fine thread or a bundle of such threads. The softness and delicate beauty are astonishing.
Maltese lace, a specialty craft from Malta, which was once a British territory, was praised as silk jewels. Most of it was purchased by British royalty, nobility, and the wealthy. It is said that even if a commoner spent their entire life's wages, they could not afford even a small piece of this lace.
The Maltese Cross, shaped like four leaves joined together, is often compared to a four-leaf clover. Its actual characteristic is having eight points. Four V-shaped crests are joined at the base, with the tips of the V's pointing inward to form the corners.
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 of Malta (Knights of St. John of Malta), a Christian knightly order. This order, one of the three major knightly orders of medieval Europe, was tasked with protecting Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land and also functioned as a hospital. Eventually, they became a major force in defending the Holy Land and fighting against the Islamic forces.
The eight points symbolize the eight virtues of the knights, and it is also said to represent the eight homelands of the brave warriors who gathered to join the order. The noble spirit of pride and virtue was reflected in numerous honorable decorations.
The last image shows the reverse side. We hope this piece finds its way to someone who is looking for it or who appreciates its beauty. ✠
Also available as a set of two in a separate listing:
Antique Italian Maltese Lace, Golden Silk Bobbin Lace, Small Doily Pair
Other works available:
Antique Maltese Lace, Maltese Bobbin Silk Shawl, Maltese Cross ✠ Scarf
This handmade round doily is crafted from very fine, pale golden silk threads, native to the island of Malta in the Mediterranean. Dozens of Maltese bobbins were used to weave these lustrous, golden silk threads, creating a beautiful, shimmering effect.
Measuring 21.5-19 cm in diameter and weighing approximately 7g, it is incredibly light and airy. The golden hue is so strong it rivals real gold, with a smooth, divine, and glossy finish.
The centerpiece features the Maltese Cross ✠, a symbol of Malta, intricately woven. It is surrounded by what appears to be 19 small flowers, with the rim adorned by 35 flowers. The design is floral, with bridges connecting spaces.
While there are no stains or dirt, there are some distortions and irregularities in the shape and weave. You may find areas with thin threads, a slight fuzziness like down, knots from thread ends, or spreading from thread tips, visible on both the front and back. This piece is recommended for those who do not mind these characteristics.
Each strand is either a single, very fine thread or a bundle of such threads. The softness and delicate beauty are astonishing.
Maltese lace, a specialty craft from Malta, which was once a British territory, was praised as silk jewels. Most of it was purchased by British royalty, nobility, and the wealthy. It is said that even if a commoner spent their entire life's wages, they could not afford even a small piece of this lace.
The Maltese Cross, shaped like four leaves joined together, is often compared to a four-leaf clover. Its actual characteristic is having eight points. Four V-shaped crests are joined at the base, with the tips of the V's pointing inward to form the corners.
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 of Malta (Knights of St. John of Malta), a Christian knightly order. This order, one of the three major knightly orders of medieval Europe, was tasked with protecting Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land and also functioned as a hospital. Eventually, they became a major force in defending the Holy Land and fighting against the Islamic forces.
The eight points symbolize the eight virtues of the knights, and it is also said to represent the eight homelands of the brave warriors who gathered to join the order. The noble spirit of pride and virtue was reflected in numerous honorable decorations.
The last image shows the reverse side. We hope this piece finds its way to someone who is looking for it or who appreciates its beauty. ✠
Also available as a set of two in a separate listing:
Antique Italian Maltese Lace, Golden Silk Bobbin Lace, Small Doily Pair
Other works available:
Antique Maltese Lace, Maltese Bobbin Silk Shawl, Maltese Cross ✠ Scarf
Category
Craft
Condition
Some scratches/marks
Shipping
Included in price (by seller)
From
Kanagawa
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