An antique Maltese lace piece purchased in Italy, dating from around 1860-1910. Originating from Malta, an island in the southern Mediterranean, part of the Republic of Malta, this piece features the island's specialty: a pale gold color... an elegant, milky-like eggshell hue. It's a handmade, graceful round doily with a floral design, woven using dozens of Maltese bobbins and ivory silk thread. The center features the Maltese lace symbol: the "Maltese Cross ✠". The twin leaves and the 11 leaves on the rim have a natural feel. It has a gentle light gold color, like 14-karat gold. It's smooth, dry, and has a crispness with a subtle sheen and luster, also possessing the texture and charm of linen thread. The color is somewhere between the lustrous golden Maltese lace and the pale ivory Maltese lace that I've previously listed. Please note that the following measurements are approximate due to amateur measurement: Diameter: 22.5-22.2 cm Weight: Approximately 5.8g There are about 5 or 6 areas of yellowing due to aging. Please check the images. There are also knots and thread ends visible. For those who don't mind these details. Maltese lace, a famous craft from the British territory of Malta, was praised as "silk jewels." It was so expensive that most pieces were purchased by British royalty, nobility, and the wealthy, and ordinary people couldn't afford even a small piece of lace, even if they spent their entire lifetime's wages. The Maltese Cross has a shape like four leaves joined together. It's compared to a four-leaf clover. The actual characteristic is that it has eight points. Four V-shaped emblems are joined at the base, and the tips of the V's point inward, forming corners. Originally, it was a symbol of the 11th-century small republic of Amalfi. Later, it was adopted as a symbol by the Knights Hospitaller of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem in Malta (one of the three major knightly orders of medieval Europe). Their mission was to protect Christian pilgrims, and the organization also had hospital functions. Eventually, they became a major force in defending the Holy Land and fighting against Islam. The proud and noble spirit of virtue is reflected in numerous prestigious honors. The last image is the reverse side. I hope that those who are looking for this piece/like it will find it useful ✠ A separate listing for a set of two is available below: Antique Italian Maltese Lace Golden Silk Thread Bobbin-Woven Petit Doily Pair Other works are also available below: Antique Maltese Lace Malta Bobbin Silk Shawl Maltese Cross ✠ Scarf