Antique Maltese Lace Round Small Doily - Cool Linen Thread - Maltese Cross ✠

A beautiful, small, round doily (approx. 13.5 cm diameter) made of Maltese lace, purchased in Italy and dating from the late 1800s to early 1900s.

Maltese lace is famous for its pale golden, lustrous, egg-yolk colored silk thread, originating from the island of Malta, a maritime archipelago in southern Italy. This piece, however, appears to be crafted from a gentle, slightly chalky ecru/ivory colored linen thread, or possibly a mix of cotton & linen, and silk in different sections.

Woven with dozens of Maltese bobbins, its delicate, pure, and refreshingly cool aesthetic is striking.

The iconic Maltese cross ✠ is at the center. A flower resembling a chrysanthemum/sunflower with 8/16 petals ✺ spreads outwards, and the outer rim features numerous tightly woven double leaves (which appear to be silk thread), showcasing a labor-intensive handmade work.

Please excuse any minor errors in the amateur measurements of this handmade item:

Small: Diameter 13.5-13 cm, approx. 3g
*For reference, Large: Diameter 19.5-19 cm, approx. 5g

The fine, smooth threads are woven with a sense of rhythm and coolness, possessing a subtle, gentle sheen and luster.

It is in a beautiful and clean condition, appearing unused with no scratches or stains.

[History]
Maltese lace is a renowned craft from Malta, which was once a British colony. Praised as jewels of silk, most of it was purchased by British royalty, nobility, and the wealthy. It was so expensive that even commoners, by dedicating their entire lifetime earnings, could not afford a single small piece.

The Maltese cross, shaped like four leaves joined together, is a metaphor for a four-leaf clover. Its actual characteristic is having eight points. Four V-shaped crests are joined at the base, with the tips of the V's pointing inwards to form the corners.

Originally, it was the symbol of the small republic of Amalfi in the 11th century. Later, it was inherited by the Christian knightly order, the Knights of St. John of Malta, as their symbol. Their mission was to protect Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. The order also had hospital functions and eventually became a major force in defending the Holy Land and fighting against the Islamic forces. Malta, being a prosperous trading hub, became a crucial point for defense.

The proud MALTA cross ✠ motif honors and signifies the skill, time, and effort required for Maltese lace. The eight points are said to represent the eight homelands of the warriors who gathered to join the Knights, or the eight virtues of a knight: loyalty, piety, sincerity, bravery, honor, fearlessness in death, protection of the weak, and respect for the Church.

This noble spirit and aspiration for virtue, along with its practice, is reflected in many prestigious European honors and decorations.

This size is easy to use. We hope you will enjoy using it for a single flower vase, a jewelry tray, a mignonette, or as a base for dolls. ✠

*Other items and a set of this doily in small and large sizes are also available.