Antique Belgian Flemish Bobbin Lace Coaster Doily - Swans and Lilies

Beautiful antique doily from Belgium,
Handmade coaster with a swan motif.

Created with dozens and hundreds of bobbins,
this piece was made in the Flanders region of Belgium.
It is a linen round mat with Flemish lace trim, dating from around 1930, nearly a century old.

The trim features a double-crossed mesh/tulle.
The outlines are formed with slightly thicker, lustrous threads,
making the elegant swan and flower motifs stand out.
Next to the swan, I imagined water reeds, a vase, or a flower container,
but it is said to be a relief of lily flowers ⚜.
Perhaps a knight motif?

The edge has a small, delicate picot lace.

Feathers and petals are expressed with cutwork.
It's as if a swan quietly resting on a lake appears before your eyes.
The style conveys a gentle and graceful demeanor,
along with the noble dignity and strength of swans and knights.

The color is a clean ecru,
an nuanced off-white.

The texture is a blend of softness, smoothness, and a gentle dryness.
When viewed up close, you can also feel a slight sheen and luster.

The center fabric is fine-count, high-quality linen.
From a distance, the material looks like cotton,
but upon touching it, one might imagine it's linen
or a linen and cotton blend.
It's an excellent thread that feels resilient and taut.

Please excuse any errors in the amateur measurements below for this handmade item.

Diameter: 12.4-13 cm
Fabric portion: 5.4-6 cm
Approx. 2g

The shape is slightly oval.
It is in beautiful condition with no stains or damage,
but as it is a handmade item that has passed through many years,
please excuse any minor imperfections that do not interfere with its use or appreciation.

Compared to thinly woven, dense pieces,
this one has slightly thicker threads and a looser weave.
It is not overly dense, nor is it so delicate that it might tear easily when touched, making it easy to handle.

It resembles Point de Gaze lace and Macramé lace,
and they may have influenced each other.

I would be delighted if someone who likes it could find various ways to use it ✧

The lace photographed alongside this item
is available in a previous listing ⇓

Antique French Point de Gaze Lace Doily with Floral Pattern and Picot Lace

Search terms: Baccarat, Saint-Louis, Art Nouveau,
Ballerina, Ballet, Swan Lake, White Swan
*This is the lowest possible price.