Flea Market Item 26-302

This is a beautiful example of an antique embroidered net lace panel, probably French or Belgian, dating from approximately 1880–1910. It combines a very fine machine-made net with hand-embroidered motifs, creating an elegant textile that was often used for dressmaking and fine household linens.

The panel measures approximately 53 x 40cm and is worked on an exceptionally fine hexagonal machine net. It features three decorative elements:

• A field of tiny embroidered rosettes arranged in neat diagonal rows across the centre. Each little flower is worked with raised satin stitches, giving the lace a delicate, textured appearance.

• An open lattice border around the outside, embroidered with knotted intersections that resemble tiny bows or forget-me-not flowers. This geometric edging frames the centre beautifully.

• A softly scalloped edge, which was finished after the embroidery was completed.

There is good overall preservation of the delicate net with aome age-related discolouration and a few small spots, plus a little wear and fraying around parts of the outer edge, which is typical for a textile over a century old.