SHADOW APPLIQUE, HANDKERCHIEF

This lady’s handkerchief of the finest white cotton lawn is hand embroidered in one corner with lily-of-the-valley flowers. The edging is unique in that the fabric has been folded over to create a scalloped applique, a form of shadow applique and finished with machine satin stitch,.

Handkerchiefs were an important accessory for men and women through the ages. The handkerchief, prominently displayed, became an outward indicator of gentility, aristocracy and elegance. The notion of ‘one for show and one for blow’ became well established .

In the 18th century, when the art of flirting was complex, handkerchiefs played an integral part of the drama. Young ladies would accidentally drop their monogrammed hankies or leave them behind as a clear signal that the attention of a particular young man would not be unwelcome. The lost handkerchief provided the perfect excuse to deliver the wayward item to its delighted owner.

Beautiful embroidered hankies, were a popular purchase to bring back as gifts when travelling overseas, They were also a popular Christmas or birthday gift for family and friends, a tradition which continued until the 1950s and the advent of paper tissues.