Item 26-271

This nearly 4m length is a particularly attractive example of antique handmade Irish crochet lace, dating from approximately 1900 to 1925. It was almost certainly made as a decorative edging for a fine garment rather than for household linens, and the quality of the workmanship suggests it was produced by an experienced lace maker.

The design is immediately recognisable by its beautifully modelled grapevine motif. Clusters of tiny raised grapes, each worked as a separate padded ring, are paired with finely shaped leaves and scrolling tendrils. The motifs are connected by a delicate hand-worked mesh known as a brides picot ground, which gives the lace its airy appearance while allowing the individual elements to stand out in relief.

Typically lace with distinctive motifs such as grapes, roses or shamrocks generally commands a premium over more geometric examples.

This piece measures 380 x 8cm