Antique Italian Maltese Lace, Golden Silk Bobbin Lace, Large 41cm Doily

An antique Maltese lace piece from Italy, circa 1860-1910.

This is a large, handmade, round doily crafted from very fine, pale golden silk threads, native to the island of Malta in the Mediterranean. The threads, which shimmer and gleam like egg yolk, were woven using dozens of Maltese bobbins. The resulting radiant golden silk creates a gorgeous and beautiful piece.

It measures approximately 40-41 cm in diameter and weighs about 21g, feeling incredibly light. The golden color is so strong it rivals real gold, with a smooth, divine, and lustrous finish.

The design features the Maltese Cross ✠ as the central motif, surrounded by five layers of countless small flowers, with delicate bridges connecting the spaces for a decorative, flowery design.

There are no stains or dirt, but there are some distortions in its shape. You may find areas with thin threads, a slight fuzziness like down, knots where threads were joined, and fraying at the ends, visible on both the front and back. This item is recommended for those who do not mind these imperfections.

Each strand is either a single thread or a bundle of very fine threads. The softness and delicate beauty are astonishing.

Maltese lace, a specialty craft from Malta, which was once a British territory, was praised as silk jewelry. Most of it was purchased by British royalty and the wealthy. It was so expensive that even commoners could not afford a small piece, even if they spent their lifetime's wages.

The Maltese Cross, shaped like four leaves joined together, is often compared to a four-leaf clover. Its actual characteristic is having eight points. Four V-shaped crests are joined at the base, with the tips of the V's pointing inward to form the points.

Originally, it was the symbol of the small republic of Amalfi in the 11th century. It was inherited as the symbol of the Knights of St. John of Malta (one of the three major knightly orders of medieval Europe), a Christian knightly order. The order's mission was to protect Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. They also had hospital functions and played a major role in defending the Holy Land and fighting against Muslims.

The eight points symbolize the eight virtues of a knight or the eight homelands of the heroes who gathered to join the order. The supreme spirit of noble virtue was reflected in numerous honorable decorations.

The bottom two images on the left of the final picture show the reverse side. Considering its size and the amount of silk, this is offered at the lowest possible price. We would be delighted if you could use it wonderfully ✠.

We also have other items for sale:
Antique Maltese Lace, Maltese Bobbin Silk Shawl, Maltese Cross ✠ Scarf

Antique Italy Maltese Lace, Golden Silk Thread Bobbin Lace, Approx. 20cm Doily

Antique Italy Maltese Lace, Golden Silk Thread Bobbin Lace, Pair of Petit Doilies