Antique Maltese Lace Linen Round Doily Maltese Cross ✠ Pair Set

A set of two antique Maltese lace round doilies, purchased in Italy, dating from the late 1800s to early 1900s.

Originating from Malta, a Mediterranean island in southern Italy, known for its pale golden, lustrous, egg-yolk colored silk threads. These appear to be made from a delicate, slightly plaster-like ecru/ivory colored linen thread, or possibly a mix of cotton & linen, and silk in different sections.

Woven with dozens of Maltese bobbins, these pieces are characterized by their simple, pure, and refreshingly cool aesthetic.

The center features the iconic Maltese cross ✠. A flower ✺ resembling a chrysanthemum/sunflower with 8/16 petals spreads outwards, and the outer rim is densely decorated with numerous double leaves (which appear to be silk thread), showcasing a labor-intensive handmade, hand-worked piece.

Please excuse any errors in the amateur measurements below.

Large: Diameter 19.5-19 cm, approx. 5g
Small: Diameter 13.5-13 cm, approx. 3g

The fine threads are woven with varying tension, creating a light and airy texture with a subtle, gentle sheen and luster.

In beautiful and clean condition, appearing unused, with no scratches or stains.

[History]
A renowned craft of Malta, which was a British colony. Praised as jewels of silk, most of it was purchased by British royalty, nobles, and the wealthy. It is said that even the entire wages of a commoner for a lifetime would not be enough to buy even a small piece.

The Maltese cross, shaped like four leaves joined together, is a metaphor for a four-leaf clover. Its actual characteristic is having eight points. Four V-shaped crests join at the base, with the tips of the V's pointing inwards to form the corners.

Originally, it was the symbol of the small republic of Amalfi in the 11th century. Later, it was inherited as the symbol of the Christian knightly order, the Knights of St. John of Malta, whose mission was to protect Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. The order also had hospital functions and eventually became the main force in defending the Holy Land and fighting against Islam. Malta, being a prosperous trading hub, became a key defensive point.

The eight points are said to symbolize the eight homelands of the brave warriors who gathered to join the Knights, or the eight virtues of a knight: loyalty, piety, frankness, bravery, honor, fearlessness of death, protection of the weak, and respect for the Church.

The supreme spirit and aspiration, as well as the practice of noble virtues, are reflected in many of Europe's prestigious honors.

It is said that even Great Britain, the ruling power, strictly prohibited the production of pieces featuring the proud MALTA cross ✠ motif, which requires considerable time, effort, and skill, and serves as a mark of Maltese origin.

A pair in easy-to-use different sizes. We hope you will find them useful for placing under vases, photo frames, jewelry trays, mignonettes, or dolls.
*Other items are also available.