LACE, MALTESE, HANDKERCHIEF

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Overview

An exquisite Maltese bobbin lace handkerchief with an intricate design of densely worked wheat ears. White silk centre, 120 mm diameter, is surrounded by a band of small, connecting puffy wheat ears. A second band surrounds this with more open lace design with a scalloped edge. In each corner is a small Maltese Cross. The silk fabric in centre is fragile and breaking up. A nylon tulle net was stitched behind to support the fabric.

Historical information

Items probably made by Dorothy Vera Peirce (nee Hymus) b. Esperance(1903-1990)Perth, married Charles Darrell Peirce b. Grampian Vic 1899-1969 Perth. Grandmother Elsie Gawler Hymus (nee Burford and Grandfather Sydney Charles Hymus worked at the Eucla Telegraph station. Sailed to Esperance for
her confinement with Dorothy then back to remote Eucla.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-78-2022.231

Statement of significance

Aesthetic: An exquisite Maltese lace handkerchief
Scientific: Finely executed Maltese bobbin lace
Social: Delicate handkerchiefs were an essential costume accessory for a lady over the centuries.
Rarity: Rare to find such a beautifully executed bobbin lace hanky.
Provenance: This Maltese Lace handkerchief was left to the donor by her mother-in-law and possible belonged to her grandmother who was a keen embroiderer.

Primary significance criteria

Artistic or aesthetic significance

Scientific or research significance

Social or spiritual significance

Comparative significance criteria

Rare or representative

Well provenanced

Embroiderers' Guild of WA

Organisation Details
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