Lace, Its Origin and History

The work presents a concise, practical history and handbook of lace aimed at commercial readers, tracing its emergence around the early sixteenth century and noting competing national claims to its invention. It describes early cutwork and convent needlework, drawnwork techniques, and the rise of needle-made lace—likely Venetian—and later seventeenth-century passementerie and guipure development. The author contrasts two independent lacemaking methods (single-thread needle work versus an alternative process), surveys regional styles and production centers, and interweaves technical descriptions, sample types, and anecdotes to provide both historical context and practical guidance for dealers and manufacturers.