Antique French Fine Linen Sheet, Rare Handworked Floral Ladderwork Openwork, Circa 1900

Details

Description

An exceptionally beautiful antique French fine linen sheet distinguished by an extraordinary band of handworked floral openwork embroidery.

The decorative … Read more An exceptionally beautiful antique French fine linen sheet distinguished by an extraordinary band of handworked floral openwork embroidery.

The decorative band resembles traditional ladderwork or drawn-thread work, but is considerably more elaborate. Threads have been carefully manipulated and worked by hand to create dimensional flowers, tiny knotted centers and an intricate open framework running across the sheet. It is an unusually decorative example of a nearly lost textile art and a technique we rarely encounter in antique French bed linens.

The linen itself is fine, smooth and beautifully woven, with the soft drape and subtle sheen characteristic of quality antique French linen.

Elegant in its simplicity, the white-on-white design allows the remarkable handwork to be the focus. It would be beautiful used as a traditional top sheet, layered over a bed, or displayed where the openwork can be appreciated.

A wonderful survivor of the French trousseau tradition, when exceptional needlework transformed an everyday household linen into something intended to be treasured for generations.

Professionally cleaned and preserved.

DIMENSIONS:
Approximately 90” x 100”
Approximately 230 x 255 cm

MATERIAL:
Fine linen

COLOR:
White

ORIGIN:
France

PERIOD:
Circa 1900

DETAIL:
Rare handworked floral ladderwork / drawn-thread openwork

CONDITION:
Excellent antique condition See less