Handkerchief
1600-1620 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
In the 16th century people used plain linen handkerchiefs for the same purposes they do today. Decorated handkerchiefs, however, were often purely fashionable accessories and gifts. This example has cutwork decoration. Cutwork is the earliest form of needle lace. It is based on a woven ground, from which areas have been cut away. The technique developed during the 16th century. Lacemakers cut away increasing areas of fabric to create a geometric grid of threads over which they worked their stitches. This type of advanced cutwork became very fashionable. It reached the height of technical and stylistic perfection around 1615.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Linen, with cutwork decoration |
| Brief description | Handkerchief decorated with cutwork, Flanders, 1600-1620 |
| Physical description | Handkerchief of linen, with a broad border of cutwork decoration. Repeating pattern of lozenge-shaped compartments, outlined by diagonal stems with rosettes at the intersections, and each filled with a geometrical star device; the outer border is of small vandykes. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | HANDKERCHIEF
1600-1620
Handkerchiefs were ornamental rather than practical, as illustrated in the portrait alongside, showing Anne Cecil, later Countess of Stamford. This example is decorated with cutwork, the earliest form of needle lace. The best quality linens came from Flanders and some of the finest whitework and lace were made there.
Linen decorated with cutwork
Flanders (Belgium)
Museum no. 484-1903(2008) |
| Object history | Purchased. Registered File number 82095/1903. |
| Production | Flemish |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | In the 16th century people used plain linen handkerchiefs for the same purposes they do today. Decorated handkerchiefs, however, were often purely fashionable accessories and gifts. This example has cutwork decoration. Cutwork is the earliest form of needle lace. It is based on a woven ground, from which areas have been cut away. The technique developed during the 16th century. Lacemakers cut away increasing areas of fabric to create a geometric grid of threads over which they worked their stitches. This type of advanced cutwork became very fashionable. It reached the height of technical and stylistic perfection around 1615. |
| Bibliographic references |
|
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 484-1903 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | October 22, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
