Genoese border

~6-3/4" (varies) x 112" (17.14cm x 284.48cm)

Very good condition. Cut both ends, some fraying especially along the outer scallop borders.

Aloe? 2 Ply S, Single Z. Average=0.159mm, Standard Deviation=0.016mm

A deeply scalloped border with a straight insertion header, 1-3/4" wide. This insertion is overcast onto the lower scalloped border. The technique appears Genoese, with the typical woven carryover of threads between scallopes. The tape-like motifs do include woven leaves, done on a fine scale. The outer edge of the scallops have a circular design, seen in other examples (Elisa Ricci, "Old Italian Lace", plate 195, and Sorber, "Places", page 33 plate 3). The Ricci example is attributed to Genoa, XVII c, while the Places piece is attributed to the Southern Netherlands, 1600-1620.
The Ricci plate 194, on the same page as plate 195, is described as "Brown lace made of finest thread of aloes." The NNMML example is obviously brown, and the fibers are very fine and have not yet been positively identified. It is possible that this is a dyed piece, but the aloe fiber is intriguing and may account for the color. No mention of the color of plates 195-197 on the same Ricci page is given.

purchased 03/28/2019
first posted 9/14/2014
revised 08/21/2021