Antique Italian Maltese Lace, Golden Silk Thread Bobbin Lace, Approx. 19cm Doily δ
An antique Maltese lace piece, circa 1860-1910, purchased in Italy.
This is a handmade, slightly oval round doily crafted from extremely fine, pale golden silk threads, native to the Mediterranean island of Malta. The delicate silk, shimmering like a golden egg yolk, was meticulously woven using dozens of Maltese bobbins, resulting in a beautiful, lustrous golden silk.
Measuring approximately 19-17.5 cm in diameter and weighing just over 6g, it is incredibly light and airy. The intense golden hue rivals that of real gold, giving it a smooth, divine, and lustrous appearance.
The centerpiece features the Maltese cross ✠, a symbol of Malta, intricately woven. If my count is correct, it is surrounded by 19 small flowers, with the rim adorned by 35 flowers. The design is floral, with bridges connecting the spaces.
Each thread is a bundle of extremely fine strands, showcasing a surprising softness and delicate beauty.
While there are no stains or dirt, there are some distortions and irregularities in the shape and weave. Thinning of threads, a slight fuzziness like down, knots from thread ends, and fraying from thread tips are visible on both the front and back. This piece is recommended for those who do not mind these characteristics.
Maltese lace, a specialty craft from Malta when it was a British territory, was praised as a jewel of silk. Most of it was purchased by British royalty, nobles, and the wealthy. It is said that even if a commoner dedicated their entire lifetime's wages, they could not afford even a small piece of 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. It was later adopted as the symbol of the Knights of Malta (Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem), a Christian knightly order. This order was one of the three major knightly orders of medieval Europe. Their mission was to protect Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land, and the organization 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 is reflected in numerous prestigious honors.
The front and back have been photographed alternately, showing a clarity that makes it difficult to distinguish between the two. I hope it will be cherished by someone who appreciates it ✠.
Here is an image for comparison with an ivory-colored piece:
Antique Maltese Lace Beautiful Ecru 75cm Magnificent Large Round Doily
Other items are also available:
Antique Maltese Lace Maltese Bobbin Silk Shawl Maltese Cross ✠ Scarf
This is a handmade, slightly oval round doily crafted from extremely fine, pale golden silk threads, native to the Mediterranean island of Malta. The delicate silk, shimmering like a golden egg yolk, was meticulously woven using dozens of Maltese bobbins, resulting in a beautiful, lustrous golden silk.
Measuring approximately 19-17.5 cm in diameter and weighing just over 6g, it is incredibly light and airy. The intense golden hue rivals that of real gold, giving it a smooth, divine, and lustrous appearance.
The centerpiece features the Maltese cross ✠, a symbol of Malta, intricately woven. If my count is correct, it is surrounded by 19 small flowers, with the rim adorned by 35 flowers. The design is floral, with bridges connecting the spaces.
Each thread is a bundle of extremely fine strands, showcasing a surprising softness and delicate beauty.
While there are no stains or dirt, there are some distortions and irregularities in the shape and weave. Thinning of threads, a slight fuzziness like down, knots from thread ends, and fraying from thread tips are visible on both the front and back. This piece is recommended for those who do not mind these characteristics.
Maltese lace, a specialty craft from Malta when it was a British territory, was praised as a jewel of silk. Most of it was purchased by British royalty, nobles, and the wealthy. It is said that even if a commoner dedicated their entire lifetime's wages, they could not afford even a small piece of 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. It was later adopted as the symbol of the Knights of Malta (Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem), a Christian knightly order. This order was one of the three major knightly orders of medieval Europe. Their mission was to protect Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land, and the organization 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 is reflected in numerous prestigious honors.
The front and back have been photographed alternately, showing a clarity that makes it difficult to distinguish between the two. I hope it will be cherished by someone who appreciates it ✠.
Here is an image for comparison with an ivory-colored piece:
Antique Maltese Lace Beautiful Ecru 75cm Magnificent Large Round Doily
Other items are also 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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