Antique Bruges Floral Bobbin Lace Large Oval Ladder Embroidered Linen Doily

An 18th-century Belgian antique.
A delicate, elegant, and authentic piece.
This is a large oval doily featuring Bruges lace and ladder lace linen.

The center is neat and orderly, while the edges are soft and gentle.
It exudes a natural charm with its color that appears to be original.

The center features beautiful ladder lace fabric with a 9x5 grid pattern, woven with fine linen threads and adorned with drawn thread work.
The ivory color, with a faint pale green hue, looks refreshingly cool.

The edges of the fabric are framed with bobbin lace in a 3/2 layer Arabesque pattern and floral motifs.
Small flowers, roses, stems, and leaves are abundantly expressed in soft curves.

Without sharp outlines, the petals and veins of the leaves have openwork, and the gaps between motifs are connected by a net-like bridge, creating a gentle expression.
The stitches are not tight, with a half-stitch feel, offering a pleasant coolness.

The centers of the flowers are decorated with small spider embroidery and fancy filling stitches.

Upon seeing and holding it, one is moved by its elegant and classical ivory color.
It may have been washed, but no bleaching or harsh treatments appear to have been applied, and the threads are not thinned or shrunk, suggesting it is close to its original state.

It is light yet not limp, with a smooth and moderately thin center, and soft lace.

Please excuse any errors in the amateur measurements below.

Maximum width & length: 60cm x 43cm
Maximum linen diameter: 34cm x 20cm

There are no stains, discoloration, scratches, or tears; it is in very beautiful condition.
There are some areas where threads or lace returns are visible at the edge finishing.

It is in considerably good condition for a handmade antique piece.
Please refer to the images and forgive any minor imperfections.

Bruges, the city of water.
It evokes the scenery of green trees hanging over the canals of the ancient city.

Its size makes it stand out as a table centerpiece, or on a chest or cabinet.
It can also be placed under a large bisque doll or a tea set.
It would also look lovely hung on a shelf or in an entryway.

It possesses a delicacy and texture different from machine-made items.
Framing it would also be magnificent.
I would be delighted if someone who appreciates it could use it wonderfully. ✧

The antique items displayed above are also available for purchase separately.