History and Culture of Lace
Historical Evolution
Relics similar to drawn‑work lace and cut‑work lace have been unearthed in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to the 4th‑5th centuries AD. Such lace pieces are also found among ancient Peruvian cultural artifacts. During the Middle Ages, European lace‑making was concentrated in monasteries, and its products were used for altar decorations and clerical robes. After the Renaissance, lace production developed extensively. Paintings from 15th‑century Italy, Belgium and France show delicate narrow lace trims edging people’s costumes and chair cushions. In the 16th century, needle‑point lace was produced in Italy, Germany and France. Patterns of needle‑point lace in this period mainly featured scroll‑shaped leaves and floral motifs.
In the 1520s, lace‑making became fairly widespread in Germany, and books on net‑lace patterns were published. In 1542, Italy released the first pattern book for cut‑work lace. In the 16th century, bobbin lace was developed in Belgium and northern France. The 17th century marked a prosperous era for European lace production.
After 1650, needle‑point lace from Venice, Italy, became famous for its elaborate craftsmanship and high price, known as Venetian lace. In France, during the reign of Louis XIV (1643‑1714), Minister of State J.B. Colbert specially recruited lace artisans from Italy, Belgium and other countries to pass on their skills. Light‑weight French lace was produced in cities such as Sedan. In the 18th century, lace from France and Belgium was characterized by light texture and exquisite open‑work effects.
Machine‑made lace emerged in Europe in the 19th century. In 1813, J. Leavers of Britain invented the lace loom.
After 1840, lace looms became highly sophisticated, which exerted certain impacts on handmade lace production. At that time, a craft of imitating Venetian lace with crochet hooks appeared in Ireland, known as crochet lace. European lace production gradually declined after the 19th century. Production bases of handmade lace shifted to Asian countries including China, Turkey and Sri Lanka, as well as Latin‑American nations such as Paraguay and Brazil. After World War I, handmade lace production in Europe almost ceased, except for a tiny number of exhibition‑oriented pieces. Machine‑made lace became the dominant product type.