Antique Reticella-Style Cutwork & Bobbin Lace Tray Cloth, circa 1915

Description and Details

An antique Italian-style linen tray cloth or small table topper, circa 1915, combining Reticella-style cutwork with a handmade bobbin-lace border. Rectangular in shape, it measures 60 × 46cm.

The central panel is worked into the fine white linen ground. Sections of linen have been removed and the remaining grid reinforced with dense buttonhole stitching, supporting radiating sunburst stars, geometric wheels and floral lace medallions. The openwork gives the panel its intricate structure while retaining a clear geometric arrangement.

A band of ladder hemstitching frames the central panel. Around the outer edge, a hand-attached border of handmade continuous bobbin lace has a delicate diamond-mesh ground and scalloped picot edges.

In immaculate, crisp condition, with no broken connecting bars, thinning or discolouration.