Antique 1900s Edwardian Schiffli Chemical Lace Capelet Bertha Collar 33 Inches For Sale

Antique Edwardian Schiffli chemical lace capelet / large Bertha-style collar, dating to approximately the 1900s–1910s.

An exceptionally elaborate surviving piece of period fashion, this dramatic cream lace garment is constructed in Schiffli or “chemical” lace — an important machine-lace technique that flourished during the late Victorian and Edwardian period as advances in textile manufacturing made extraordinarily complex lace designs possible.

Rather than being worked as handmade Irish crochet, as this piece was previously identified, the design was machine embroidered onto a temporary foundation that was subsequently dissolved away, leaving the freestanding lace structure. The result is remarkably intricate: dense floral and foliate forms, circular medallions, scrolling motifs, openwork grounds and deeply ornamental borders combine into an almost architectural surface.

The unusual sweeping form measures approximately 33 inches across at its widest point and approximately 32–33 inches from the uppermost point to the lower edge. When draped over the shoulders it creates short cape-like sleeves and an open front; displayed flat, its dramatic symmetrical construction can be fully appreciated.

The warm cream-to-ivory coloration and subtle tonal variation are consistent with an antique textile. Condition is remarkably good considering the age and delicacy of the piece. Please examine the photographs closely for the lace construction, condition and measurements.

A beautiful example of the elaborate machine-lace industry that helped define fashionable dress around the turn of the twentieth century — compelling as an antique fashion textile, for a period clothing or lace collection, or simply displayed for its extraordinary graphic design.