A Rare and Fine Bobbin Lace Making Pillow Box, Lacemaker Ball, Cushion
Art and utility combined...

The box is likely cooper made or may have been made in concert with a cooper...staves joined to full coverage carved end panels by beautiful rose-head nails. The half round door is initialed "CC", end panel is dated "1728", underside of door initialed "BG"...possibly a second owner whereas the carving centering door displays the initials "IC". Both the turnbuckle latch and door pull are carved. The drum is upholstered in homespun linen with edges reinforced and decorated with green twill binding tape secured with brass tacks and rose-head nails, Within the interior was stored the workers various instruments and supplies: pins, scissors, thread, and bobbins. The pillow was set upon the knees allowing the lacemaker to work her craft on the padded cylinder. A rare survivor...
The making of bobbin lace required a means of attaching multiple threads; bobbin lace is made from a number of threads attached by pins to a cushion/pillow, each thread being wound on a small bobbin. The design is drawn on stiff paper or parchment, which is carefully stretched over the pillow and pricked out along the main lines. Small pins are inserted at close intervals, around which the threads turn to form the various meshes
and openings.

Date: 1728

Measurement: Height: 6"; diameter: 10"

Material: Eastern White Pine (pinus strobus) by analysis: Alden Identification Service
Homespun linen, rose-head nails and brass tacks.

Condition: Fine original condition; short shrinkage crack as depicted. The eye of one
wire hinge is open. Wonderful original surface, great patina.

Reference: A good image depicting the use of a lace pillow is published within
Genevieve Cummins book, Antique Boxes Inside and Out, Page 304, plate 564. Also, A
Diderot Pictorial Encyclopedia of Trades and Industry, plate 445.

SOLD