Antique Maltese Lace Round Doily Cool Linen Thread Maltese Cross ✠

A beautiful antique Maltese lace round doily, approximately 20cm in diameter, from the late 1800s to early 1900s, purchased in Italy.

Famous for its pale golden, lustrous egg-yellow silk thread, originating from the island of Malta in the Republic of Malta, south of Sicily, Italy. This piece appears to be a blend of delicate, slightly plaster-like ecru/ivory linen, or possibly a cotton and linen blend, with silk sections.

Crafted with dozens of Malta bobbins, it features a simple, elegant, and refreshingly cool impression.

The center features the iconic Maltese cross ✠, with a chrysanthemum/sunflower-like 8/16-petal flower ✺ spreading outwards. The outer rim is densely arranged with numerous double leaves (appearing to be silk thread), a testament to the intricate handmade craftsmanship.

Please excuse any errors in the amateur measurements below.

Large: φ19.5-19cm, approx. 5g
*Reference Small: φ13.5-13cm, approx. 3g

The fine, smooth threads are woven with varying tension, creating a cool and airy feel. The texture has a subtle, gentle sheen and luster.

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

[History]
A renowned craft from the island of Malta, which was a British colony. Praised as jewels of silk, most of it was purchased by British royalty, aristocrats, and the wealthy. It was so expensive that common people could not afford even a small piece even if they spent their entire lifetime's wages.

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

Originally, it was the symbol of the small republic of Amalfi in the 11th century. Later, it became the symbol of the Knights Hospitaller, a Christian knightly order: the Knights of Malta/Knights of St. John. Their mission was to protect Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. The order also had hospital functions and eventually became a major force in defending the Holy Land and fighting against Islam. Malta, being a prosperous trading hub, became a crucial point for defense.

The proud MALTA cross ✠ motif, signifying the skill, time, and effort required for Maltese production. The eight points are said to symbolize the eight homelands of the brave warriors who gathered to join the order, or the eight virtues of a knight: loyalty, piety, honesty, 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 these noble virtues, are reflected in many prestigious European honors and decorations.

A versatile size. It would be lovely to use for a vase, photo frame, or as a base for a doll.

*Sets of large and small sizes are also available.
Antique Maltese Lace Linen Round Doily with Maltese Cross ✠ Pair Set