Antique Flanders Lace Rose Square Doily Tea Towel

A pair of small runners, decorated with Flanders lace edging made with antique Belgian bobbin lace from the late 19th century, purchased in France. These can be used as crosses, mats, or tea towels.

Mystically emerging within the white embroidered mesh are motifs shaped with slightly thicker threads, known as Rose Ground... perhaps bowed roses or roses and flower heads?

The abstract and mysterious beautiful motifs include ribbons, hearts, flags, buds, sprouts, leaves, plants... and even what are called monkey-like figures.

A refreshing rim stitch connects the lace and the fabric with eyelets (in a triple frame).

A 5-hole mesh, like a diamond shape surrounded by small dots. Delicate and lovely picot lace adorns the entire rim.

The colors are an elegant ivory and a gentle, nuanced ecru.

The fabric is a sheer, lightweight (lawn) woven with fine threads. It is extremely light, smooth, and soft to the touch.

The material is likely high-quality cotton. The lace part has a slight sheen and luster, suggesting a blend of cotton and linen. The outline embroidery thread might be linen. Both the front and back are beautiful and indistinguishable.

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

Approximately 20.2-19.7 cm x 12.3 cm
Rim lace width: approx. 2 cm
Weight of two pieces: approx. 4g

In beautiful condition with no scratches or stains. It appears to have been used once or is unused. It has been cleaned and is hygienic. Please forgive any minor oversights in this old handmade item.

To preserve the color and texture, avoid bleaching. If it gets dirty, we recommend gently washing the entire piece with natural soap and drying it immediately.

It would also be lovely to display objects, vases, or small dolls arranged vertically and horizontally.

Flanders lace, a traditional art craft that spread in the 19th century as a successor to Valenciennes lace, Flemish lace, and Mechlin lace from the 16th century onwards. It is created by manipulating threads with multiple small bobbins, raising original reliefs from a lacy, dense mesh base.

Its delicate and elegant style boasts a history of admiration and love from royalty, nobility, and clergy across Europe.

We also have items with grid-like drawn work available:
Antique Belgian Flanders Bobbin Lace Trim Drawn Work Modified Doily

Antique Belgian Flanders Lace Runner Drawn Work Initial LCM