This exquisite piece of handmade black silk bobbin lace dates to the early 20th century (1900–1925). Measuring 54 inches by 43 inches (137 cm x 109 cm), the textile is in excellent condition, exhibiting only a few minor thread breaks despite the delicate nature of the work. Given its large dimensions and somber color, it was likely utilized as a mourning veil, a significant accessory in the social etiquette of the Edwardian and early interwar periods.
The veil features a sophisticated composition characteristic of high-quality European lacework. The main field is densely populated with small, repeating floral sprigs, while one vertical edge is defined by a series of large, elaborate scalloped medallions containing intricate botanical clusters. The entire piece is finished with a continuous, delicate picot border. The secondary patterns visible in photographs are the subtle shadows cast by the openwork structure, which emphasize the "three-dimensional" quality of the handmade mesh.