The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 19, 2025

Fragment (of a Band?) with Floral Pattern

1500s

Italy, 1500s

Bleached linen (est.): needle lace, filet/lacis (knotted ground and darned in two directions)
Overall: 10.7 x 15.4 cm (4 3/16 x 6 1/16 in.)
Gift of J. H. Wade 1920.1128
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

This small fragment was apparently cut from a much larger piece, perhaps originally decorating a woman’s dress.

Description

Lace was often used in large quantities to produce opulent effects of light and contrasting texture. Bands of this width may have originally adorned a woman’s skirt or petticoat, heightening the design and overall impact with its rich floral pattern.
  • Ida Schiff Collection
    J.H. Wade
    1920-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Levey, Santina M. Lace: A History. [London]: Victoria & Albert Museum, 2004. no. 224
  • {{cite web|title=Fragment (of a Band?) with Floral Pattern|url=false|author=|year=1500s|access-date=19 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1920.1128