Figural lace is among the most desireable of laces. Some collectors collect only figural lace and their's are interesting collections, indeed. Many are one of a kind pieces and the variety seems endless.
Cutwork figural lace
On linen towel |
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Figural lace is a term that describes the design of the lace rather than its use or making technique. It refers to any lace displaying recognizable figures. But, ideally, the figures should be asymetric, preferably live or mythical creatures. A floral design may qualify, but barely.
A house with a winding path, a fence and a tree is better, but is still less desireable than a stag, cherub or child. Figural lace comes in all shapes and sizes, from a 1/2" hanky edging to a banquet-size tablecloth or full-size bedspread. Lace-making techniques vary from simple filet and filet crochet, practiced by most housewives of byegone years to intricate professional lacemaker's techniuqes of needlelace, bobbin lace, eyelet and cutwork lace, often with several types of lace combining in the same piece. Almost all are in neutral shades of white, off-white, ecru or beige. Value is determined by size, artistic design, variety of figures and laces, and, most of all, the quality of the workmanship.
