Antique Maltese Lace Doily 48cm Elegant Ecru Bobbin Lace Maltese Cross ✠

Antique Maltese lace oval doily, circa 1860-1910.

Originating from the island of Malta, a maritime island in the southern Mediterranean, Maltese lace is famous for its pale golden, lustrous, egg-colored silk threads. This piece, however, is made from elegant, soft ecru/ivory silk threads, or possibly a silk and linen blend.

Crafted using dozens of Maltese bobbins.

The central feature is the Maltese cross ✠, its most distinctive element. Large, chrysanthemum-like flowers ✺ spread out like fireworks, surrounded by two leaves. Delicate lily-like flowers are placed on either side, and the scalloped edge is intricately woven with numerous lilac-like small flowers xxx and leaves, showcasing the effort put into this piece.

It has a graceful and soft impression, beautiful on both sides.

Approximate measurements by an amateur:
Length 48cm x Width 33cm, approximately 16g.

Smooth, silky, and supple.
It possesses a gentle luster, sheen, and radiance.

While beautiful from a distance, there are a few small, pale brownish age spots visible upon close inspection, particularly on the edges. These are less noticeable on the reverse side. To preserve its excellent texture and color, we kindly ask for your understanding that it is sold as-is, as home cleaning could degrade its quality.

[History]
Maltese lace, a renowned craft from the island of Malta, which was a British colony, was praised as the jewel of silk. It was primarily purchased by British royalty, aristocrats, and the wealthy, and was so expensive that even a commoner's lifetime earnings could not afford a small piece.

The Maltese cross, shaped like four leaves joined together, is often compared to 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 inward to form the points.

Originally, it was the symbol of the small republic of Amalfi in the 11th century. Later, it was adopted by the Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Malta, a Christian military order. Their mission was to protect Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land, and in addition to fighting to defend trade routes and holy sites, the order also maintained hospital functions.

The eight points symbolize the eight virtues of the knights: loyalty, piety, sincerity, bravery, honor, fearlessness in death, protection of the weak, and respect for the Church.

It is also said to represent the eight homelands of the assembled heroes.

The supreme spirit and practice of noble virtues were revered in many European countries and institutions, leading to numerous prestigious honors.

It is said that even Great Britain, the ruling power at the time, strictly regulated the creation of the proud MALTA cross ✠ motif, which signified its origin in Malta.

This Maltese cross, requiring considerable time and skill to create, is offered in the hope that it will be cherished by someone who is looking for it or has taken a liking to it.