Fragment of a Band with Geometric Pattern and Floral Motif

19th century

Fragment of a Band with Geometric Pattern and Floral Motif, 19th century. Italy, 19th century. Needle lace, burato (twined ground and darned in one direction); cotton (est.); overall: 5.9 x 48 cm (2 5/16 x 18 7/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Frances McIntosh Sherwin Collection 1936.221 A scrolling vine with budding vegetation or a tendril 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. Books of patterns for lace making and other needlework were aimed at well-to-do women and girls to encourage domestic virtue.