Antique Belgian Bruges Rosalyn & Drawnwork Lace Doily φ23cm

Bruges, the ancient city of Belgian water and canals, is known as the Venice of Belgium.
This is a rare antique round/slightly oval lace doily purchased in Bruges.

This piece is made using the extremely rare Rosaline Lace technique, also known as Rosalin Lace or Rosalin Perle. This embroidery method involves creating three-dimensional French knots/circles and weaving them with bobbins.
(The center of the flowers features plump dots representing pistils and stamens.)

Rosaline or Rosalin means rose, and Perle means pearl.

The trim features large roses surrounded by nine smaller roses in a semi-circle, with many roses sparkling like baby pearls or diamond pavé.
The pistils of the daisy-like flowers are also adorned with perle.

The elderly male owner explained, It is so labor-intensive that there are no longer people who can do this kind of handwork today. The embroidery thread is very fine, and the picots seen on the edges are delicate.

The center linen features a ladder embroidery (drawn work) lattice pattern, creating a cool impression and showcasing intricate craftsmanship.

It was purchased at a long-established antique lace specialty shop in front of a canal where horse-drawn carriages pass. The shop boasted a high-quality selection, and this was likely the largest Rosaline lace piece available at the time. It is a gem that evokes the rarity of fine jewelry.

The color is a gentle ecru, imbued with the passage of time, a soft and elegant ivory with a hint of beige. It is presumed to be unused.

For comparison, please refer to the size and design differences with a smaller piece, about two sizes smaller, from the same shop, which is also framed.

Doily size: Diameter 22cm - 23cm

*For reference:
Framed piece size: Doily diameter 13.5cm in a 20cm square frame.

There are some areas with slight discoloration, appearing a bit darker sepia (see images 7-9), but personally, I find them unobtrusive and not detrimental to the overall beauty.

To preserve the color and texture, it is best not to bleach the item. If it gets dirty, we recommend a quick wash of the entire piece with (natural) soap and drying it immediately.

We are also offering other items, including exquisite antique lace collars from France and Belgium, such as Brussels lace with embroidered flowers and Duchess lace, which are comparable to pieces found in lace museums. We also have items with mythological and angelic motifs, as well as other intricate lace creations.✧