LACE, MALTESE, HANDKERCHIEF

An exquisite hand Maltese bobbin lace silk handkerchief purchased by the donor’s family in late 19th C.

A circular silk centre is surrounded by four finely executed bands of silk Maltese lace in different designs.

The outer scalloped band has alternating medallions of Maltese Cross and a daisy flower.

It is believed that it was Lady Chichester who suggested the addition of a distinguishing feature, the Maltese Cross, the emblem of the Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem – [the ‘Hospitallers]’ – who wore the Maltese Cross as their badge since the First Crusade to the Holy Land in 1090s.

After the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in 1851, Maltese lace flourished – flounces, fichus, collars, jabots and huge triangular shawls worn over the wide crinoline dresses of 1860s.