Royal Couple Rare Very Early Lacework Late 16th or early 17th century Extremely fine lacework featuring a royal couple under a large crown being held aloft by two winged angles framed on the sides with eight exotic birds and above and below with flowering vine borders. The intricate very delicate lace is safely sandwiched between two pieces of glass laid on a black backing to enhance the visibility. Below is a comment about this piece from the lace expert from the Metropolitan Museum. The technique is filet brodé (aka lacis), or knotted netting with darned stitches to create the pattern. This technique predates bobbin and needle lace and many extant examples come from Germany, France, and Italy (particularly around Sicily). It's unusual in that the net is angled diamonds rather than squares, and the stitches are more elaborate than most 15th and 16th century examples I'd seen, so I'd guess the early 17th century date is accurate or even late 16th century. Very fine linen thread; 13 ½" x 23 ½" without frame. Sold STEPHEN & CAROL HUBER (860) 388-6809 View Other Stumpwork and Related Needlework