Piece
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Bobbin lace
Dimensions
L. 18 x W. 12 inches (45.7 x 30.5 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Laces
Culture
German
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Nuttall Collection, Gift of Mrs. Magdalena Nuttall, 1908
Accession Number
08.180.352
Art Historical Context
This exquisite 19th-century bobbin lace piece, originating from Germany, exemplifies the masterful craftsmanship of European textile arts. Measuring 18 by 12 inches (45.7 x 30.5 cm), it is a fine example of lace produced through the intricate bobbin lace technique, threads are weighted on small bobbins and meticulously twisted, plaited, and interwoven over a patterned pillow. This labor-intensive method allowed for delicate, geometric motifs and floral designs that were highly prized in the 19th century for their precision and elegance. In the context of German decorative arts, such laces hel...