Antique Italian Maltese Lace, Golden Silk Thread Bobbin Lace, 19cm Doily β

An antique Maltese lace piece from Italy, circa 1860-1910.

This handmade round doily is crafted from very fine, pale golden silk threads, native to the island of Malta in the Mediterranean. The threads, shimmering like egg yolk, were woven using dozens of Maltese bobbins, creating a beautiful, radiant golden silk.

Measuring 19cm in diameter and weighing just over 6g, it is incredibly light and boasts a strong golden hue, comparable to real gold. The texture is smooth, divine, and lustrous.

The centerpiece features the Maltese symbol, the Maltese Cross ✠, intricately woven. If my count is correct, it is surrounded by 19 small flowers, with the rim adorned by 35 flowers. The design is floral, with bridges connecting spaces.

While there are no stains or dirt, there are some distortions and irregularities in the shape and weave. You may find thin areas of thread, a slight fuzziness like down, knots where threads end, and fraying at the tips. These are visible on both the front and back. We recommend this piece for those who do not mind these characteristics.

Each strand is either a single very fine thread or a bundle of such threads. The softness and delicate beauty are astonishing.

Maltese lace, a specialty craft from Malta when it was a British territory, was praised as silk jewels. Most of it was purchased by British royalty, nobles, and the wealthy. It is said that even if a commoner spent their entire life's wages, they could not afford even a small piece of lace.

The Maltese Cross resembles four leaves joined together, often compared to a four-leaf clover. Its actual characteristic is having eight points. Four V-shaped crests join at the base, with the tips of the V's pointing inward to form the corners.

Originally, it was the symbol of the small republic of Amalfi in the 11th century. Later, it was adopted as the symbol of the Order of St. John of Malta on the island of Malta, a Christian knightly order. Their mission was to protect pilgrims visiting the Holy Land, and the organization also functioned as a hospital, playing a key role in defending the Holy Land and fighting against Islamic forces.

The eight points symbolize the eight virtues of the knights, and it is also said to represent the eight homelands of the warriors who gathered to join the order. The supreme spirit of noble virtue was reflected in numerous prestigious honors.

The final image shows the reverse side. We would be delighted if this piece brings joy to someone who appreciates it. ✠

A set of two is also available below:
Antique Italy Maltese Lace Golden Silk Bobbin Lace Petit Doily Pair

Antique Maltese Lace Malta Bobbin Silk Shawl Maltese Cross ✠ Scarf

The statue shown in a separate listing is paired with this item:
Antique Italy Henri Wood Carving of the Praying Virgin Mary Beautiful Face Standing Figure