Handkerchief

Unknown

late 19th century · Plain weave and bobbin lace; warp: undyed linen, Z spun, 42 per cm; weft: undyed linen, Z spun, 26 per cm; lace: undyed linen, 2 Z spun, S plied · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The outstanding quality of this bleached linen handkerchief is evident in both the plain-weave central area and the border made in the Binche bobbin lace technique. The warp and weft threads of the central section were spun remarkably thin, with a low Z twist. The fibers are perfectly aligned parallel to each other, contributing to the exceptional quality of this fabric. A stronger thread, created by plying two highly twisted threads, was used for the lace.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Plain weave and bobbin lace; warp: undyed linen, Z spun, 42 per cm; weft: undyed linen, Z spun, 26 per cm; lace: undyed linen, 2 Z spun, S plied

Culture

Belgian

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Bequest of Catherine D. Wentworth, 1948