Original antique French lace sample album dated 1898. This is a paper book containing approximately 75 individual lace samples. Lace pieces are carefully mounted on colored cardstock pages. Some fell out and never made it into the book, and they are also included. Each page displays examples of handmade lace motifs, medallions, edgings, insertions, collars, and decorative trims.
These types of albums were often assembled by students, teachers, lacemakers, or textile merchants as reference collections and study tools. It is typical of a vintage textile sampler book or a lacemaker's reference display. These types of books provide a wonderful snapshot of the incredible variety of lace techniques being produced at the turn of the century. This album includes examples that appear to feature crochet lace, filet lace, tatting, and other handmade lace forms popular throughout France and Europe during the late Victorian and Belle Époque periods. This sampler book measures 9" x 7.5" and is in wonderful condition.
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