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Handkerchief

Handkerchief

  • Place of origin:

    Italy (made)

  • Date:

    ca. 1600 (made)

  • Artist/Maker:

    Unknown

  • Materials and Techniques:

    Linen, with cutwork, needle lace and embroidery

  • Museum number:

    288-1906

  • Gallery location:

    In store

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Handkerchiefs made of plain linen served the same function in the sixteenth century as they do today. However, if they were decorated they could also be carried purely as fashionable accessories and given as gifts.This example has whitework embroidery, worked in detached buttonhole and satin stitches, needle lace and cutwork decoration. Cutwork is the earliest form of needle lace. It is based on a woven ground, from which areas have been cut away. Elaborate cutwork was an important decoration on fashionable dress for both men and women from about 1570 to 1620.

Physical description

Handkerchief of fine linen with decoration at the four corners : cutwork with needle lace fillings, and whitework embroidery in detached buttonhole and satin stitches; edged with needle lace.

Place of Origin

Italy

Date

ca. 1600 (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown

Materials and Techniques

Linen, with cutwork, needle lace and embroidery

Dimensions

Length: 45.5 cm
Width: 45.5 cm

Object history note

The handkerchief was purchased from the lace dealer Samuel Chick in 1906.

Historical context note

Handkerchiefs made of plain linen served the same function in the sixteenth century as they do today. However, if they were decorated they could also be carried purely as fashionable accessories and given as gifts. Queen Elizabeth I frequently received gifts of embroidered handkerchiefs on New Years' Day.

Descriptive line

White linen handkerchief decorated with cutwork, needle lace and embroidery, Italian, ca. 1600

Labels and date

Handkerchief
About 1600

During courtship, the couple exchanged symbolic gifts such as gloves, ribbons, rings and handkerchiefs. The acceptance of a gift indicated a binding commitment and be could used as proof of betrothal in the case of any disputes. Although a splendid handkerchief was seen as an intimate item, it could also be held in the hand as a display object. [59 words]

Italy
Linen with cutwork, needle lace and embroidery

V&A: 288-1906

Materials

Linen; Linen thread

Techniques

Embroidery; Needle lace; Cutwork (embroidery)

Categories

Accessories; Textiles; Lace

Collection code

T&D

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Qr_O85005
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