Italian Valli Varaita e Maira border

4.25" x 115" (10.79cm x 292.10cm)
Very good condition. Both ends cut, and the upper border is damaged in many places. Small grey stains throughout the border. Cotton thread.

Recent research is indicating these heavy cotton laces probably originate in the Val Variata and Maira areas, and are freehand laces. This particular pattern is very similar to the one found on pages 130-131 of "De Bères e d'escufie: Cuffie e merletti a fuselli della Valli Varaita Maira". The books says it a stylized representation of vegetation. The book does not show examples with the fan-like lower border, but it is dedicated to lace on headdresses, not more practical borders.

accession number 2021.1.069
purchased 08/29/2021
first posted 12/11/2021
revised 12/14/2021 moved to Val Varaita e Maira