EARLY LAWN WHITEWORK HANDKERCHIEF W/COAT OF ARMS, CROWN. Circa 1770-1800's, a wonderful large lawn handkerchief measuring approx. 23". There is a Coat of Arms with a crown on top of the design and on the other side there is a wreath of flowers and leaves with the initial "A" in script and also with a crown above the design.The whitework embroidery is exquisite and so very finely worked.the linen is quite translucent. All around the edges of the handkerchief there are serpents in a garden , trees, and grass and intricate fillings in the design. The symbol must have a connection to the Coat of Arms ,there are also unicorns in the oval I find it difficult to decipher the writing but it seems like "Cous Dantia et Fortatudo" but I am not sure... The handkerchief is probably English or Irish. The serpent or snakes usually signified wisdom, the creative life force or were a important symbol for medicine . The handkerchief is in mainly good strong condition, but there are some scattered small openings. Email me if you would like some pictures. The crown of course usually was only used for someone in the Royal family or Aristocracy.
Item#AL908
SOLD
