Blooming: The Past and the Present of Lace

Lace is an openwork textile with complex hollow pattern, and it is formed by tying, interlacing and weaving of threads. Textiles with character of lace originated from ancient times, but it wasn’t until 15th century did the real lace show up. Lace work was widespread in Western Europe since 16th century and spread all over the world then. Influenced by rococo style, the making technique as well as the styles of lace all reached peak at that time. Nowadays, lace is used in high quality garments, from the original hand knitted netting lace, to ornament on clothing, to contemporary installation art, it’s charm never stop blooming.

Through careful selection of lace in the collection of western fashion, 40 pieces of collections are on display, categories cover home textiles, clothing, accessories, etc. The exhibits include coaster, place-mat, hanging cloth, veils, dresses form 19th century to 20th century. With intensive study of it/s categories, functions, historical and cultural background of the collection, the glory of lace during that period is reproduced.

Images © China National Silk Museum.