Band with Leaf Motifs

17th century

Band with Leaf Motifs, 17th century. Italy, Sardinia, 17th century. Needle lace, filet/lacis (knotted ground and darned in one and two directions); bleached linen (est.); overall: 20.2 x 68.8 cm (7 15/16 x 27 1/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Frances McIntosh Sherwin Collection 1936.222 A scrolling vine with budding vegetation or a tendril motif is a recurring pattern in needle lace. The frequent use of the motif, adapted in lace from different centuries and regions, suggests that it was found in a pattern book. The maker of this piece used thread of different thicknesses to give texture and variety to the design. Books of patterns for lace making and other needlework were aimed at well-to-do women and girls as a way of encouraging domestic virtue.