Scarf
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Machine net
Dimensions
L. 102 x W. 21 inches 259.1 x 53.3 cm
Classification
Textiles-Laces
Culture
Irish, Limerick
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Georgiana Schuyler, 1900
Accession Number
00.1.10
Art Historical Context
This elegant 19th-century scarf from Limerick, Ireland, showcases the artistry of machine net lace, a hallmark of the region's renowned textile tradition. Measuring an impressive 102 inches long 21 inches wide, this lightweight yet durable piece was crafted for both fashion and functionality, likely draped over shawls or gowns. Classified as lace within the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decor Arts department, it entered the collection in 1900 as a gift from Georgiana Schuyler, a slice of Irish craftsmanship for future generations. Limerick lace emerged in the early 1800s...