RARE SMALL 16th Century ITALIAN WHITEWORK SAMPLER, LACE Start Price USD 100.00 Current Price USD 100.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, November 28, 2008 End Time Friday, December 05, 2008 Location ashford, Kent See more about 'RARE SMALL 16th Century ITALIAN WHITEWORK SAMPLER, LACE' Description Rare small Whitework sampler of ITALIAN RETICELLA WORK. The shape and size, is very unusual as these are usually of typical long band sampler form. This particular example has an unusual central horizontal band of cut work that includes three figures, two women and a central man ! the women appear to be in arbors of flowers . Above and below this band are two very simular bands of whitework. The sampler has ben edged in whitework and retains its original hand knotted tassles.  The border pattern is complete and appears contemporary with the sampler, as are the tassels that are usually found on these samplers , so it would appear this was the original intended form of this sampler and not a longer piece either cut down or unfinished. As well as household linen, such bands of decoration would have been used to embellish items of clothing such as the wide ruffs, cuffs and standing collars that were fashionable all over Europe at the time.  This style of work is usually attributed to Italian Mid to late 16th Century, (1580). Condition Fine as one corner has three knotted buds it would appear the other corners are probably lacking one or two buds. Size only 7 x 6 inches 17.5 x 15 cm,(not including tassels). Place a Bid!