Border

17th century

Not on view

Punto in aria—literally, "stitches in the air"—is one of the earliest styles of needle lace, which is itself developed from cutwork of primarily geometric design. When lacemakers transitioned to using a foundation of threads laid out according to a pattern drawn on parchment, they were able to incorporate more fluid lines and curves into their designs.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Title: Border
Date: 17th century
Culture: Italian, Naples
Medium: Needle lace, punto in aria
Dimensions: L. 14 x W. 3 3/4 inches (35.6 x 9.5 cm)
Classification: Textiles-Laces
Credit Line: The Nuttall Collection, Gift of Mrs. Magdalena Nuttall, 1908
Object Number: 08.180.684
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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