Item 26-278

This is a lovely example of an appliqué organdy (or very fine cotton batiste) handkerchief, dating to approximately 1920–1940. Its simple elegance and monochromatic decoration reflect the refined taste of the late Art Deco period, when handkerchiefs often relied on texture and subtle workmanship rather than colourful embroidery.

The handkerchief is made from a sheer white cotton or linen-blend fabric with appliquéd ribbon bows in each corner. The bows have been cut from a fine, semi-transparent fabric, carefully turned under and attached with tiny machine stitches. Around the border runs a matching appliqué vine or scrolling leaf design, creating a delicate frame. The narrow hem has been finished with a neat machine hemstitch, indicating it was produced to a high standard, either by a specialist workshop or a quality textile manufacturer.

It measures 33cm square.