Antique Belgian Flanders Bobbin Lace Trim Drone Work Modified Doily

Beautiful antique Belgian lace from around the 19th century.

A doily with a lattice-patterned drawn thread embroidery, decorated with Flanders bobbin lace embroidery featuring whimsical and abstract, beautiful motifs such as flags, ribbons, shoes, gates, elephants, and teeth. It resembles Point de Gaze.

Flanders lace is created by manipulating small bobbins to weave dense patterns that stand out from the lacy base, creating a relief effect. The motifs can be interpreted in various ways by each viewer.

Delicate white thread embroidery, exuding a clean and elegant charm. The picots along the entire edge are also exquisite. This is a traditional Belgian art craft that spread throughout Flanders from the 16th century.

The center linen features a lattice pattern created with drawn thread embroidery. The grid-like lace on the fabric evokes a sense of coolness and is intricately detailed.

A very rare runner with a unique shape, possibly resembling a vase, bottle, patio, or a modified quatrefoil (four-leaf clover) shape, where straight lines meet straight lines and curves meet curves.

Quatre = four
Foil = leaf

The quatrefoil motif is found in Gothic architecture, such as in the windows of churches and cathedrals in Britain, France, Belgium, and Italy.

The color is a gentle ecru, aged by time, an antique cream ivory with a subtle beige hue, exuding a soft and elegant tone. It has a hint of yellow and pale grassy khaki, reminiscent of the natural colors of plants.

The fabric is a fine-gauge, sheer, lightweight weave. It has a very smooth, soft, and flowing texture with a slight sheen and luster. The material is likely high-quality cotton, or possibly a silk and linen blend. The embroidery thread is likely linen.

Please excuse any errors in the amateur measurements of this handmade item.

38cm x 26cm
Lace width: approx. 1.4cm
Weight: approx. 6g
Likely unused, based on estimation.

To preserve its color and texture, bleaching is not recommended. If cleaning is necessary, a gentle wash with (natural) soap and quick drying is advised.

The delicate and graceful style of Belgian lace was admired and loved by royalty, nobility, and clergy across Europe. Even today, cities like Bruges continue to be known as lace towns, preserving this precious craft.

We are also offering another piece with a similar lattice drawn thread work and raised rose embroidery by the same artisan: ⇓
Antique Belgian Bruges Rosalind & Drawn Thread Lace Doily φ23cm