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17th century · Needle lace, punto in aria · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Punto in aria—literally, "stitches in the air"—is one of the earliest styles of needle lace, which is itself developed from cutwork of primarily geometric design. When lacemakers transitioned to using a foundation of threads laid out according to a pattern drawn on parchment, they were able to incorporate more fluid lines and curves into their designs.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Needle lace, punto in aria

Culture

Italian, Naples

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

The Nuttall Collection, Gift of Mrs. Magdalena Nuttall, 1908