A breathtaking example of Edwardian-era artistry, this authentic antique Irish crochet blouse is a rare and intricate work of wearable history. Handcrafted in the early 1900s, it showcases the technical brilliance and romantic beauty of traditional Irish lacework. With its sculptural florals, delicate meshwork, and a regal high neckline, this piece evokes the refined elegance of a bygone world.
Whether worn as a statement blouse or treasured as a collector’s piece, this heirloom garment commands admiration for its craftsmanship, texture, and quiet luxury. Because of the construction, this can be worn as a classic high necked Victorian/Edwardian bodice blouse as historically intended, or turned around and worn as a fabulous cropped jacket.....two tops in one! Add a simple white skirt., or pair with jeans and a tank.
Features:
3/4 length sleeves
Fastens with tiny snaps
Genuine antique Irish crochet, handcrafted circa 1900s
Lavish floral and botanical motifs layered over delicate open mesh
High Victorian collar with scalloped edge
Shaped waist and elegant drape for a softly structured silhouette
Full-length sleeves with intricate flared lace cuffs
Natural ivory tone, beautifully aged with time
Museum-quality construction suitable for collectors, historians, or bridal heirlooms
Garment Measurements:
Bust and waist: up to 35 inches
Sleeve length: 16 inches
Length (shoulder to hem): 18 inches
Shoulder to shoulder at back: 17 inches
Fit: S/M
Notes:
Garment is clean and ready for wear/admiration
No notable or obvious breaks in the lace, excellent almost mint antique vintage condition
A History of Irish crochet lace: a legacy of resilience and beauty
Irish crochet lace, a distinctive and highly valued textile art form, emerged from a poignant chapter in Irish history and continues to hold significant cultural and artistic value today.
A lifeline during the Great Famine
The mid-19th century witnessed the devastation of the Great Irish Famine (1845-1849), when widespread potato crop failure led to starvation and mass emigration. In this desperate time, Irish crochet lace became a lifeline, providing a much-needed source of income for impoverished families.
Inspired by Venetian Lace: The techniques of Irish crochet were developed to mimic the intricate beauty of expensive Venetian point lace, making it a desirable alternative for the upper classes.
Teaching and Enterprise: Nuns in convents and relief schools, established in part due to famine relief efforts, taught the craft to women and girls across the country. These schools and stores not only provided education but also served as outlets for selling the handmade lace.
Cottage Industry: This fostered a thriving cottage industry where families and communities specialized in creating individual motifs – flowers, leaves, and other designs – which were then assembled into larger pieces like collars, cuffs, and dresses.
Why Irish crochet is valued today
Irish crochet's value today extends beyond its historical significance, encompassing its inherent artistry, cultural importance, and growing appeal in the modern craft and fashion worlds.
Intricate Beauty and Craftsmanship: Irish crochet is renowned for its delicate and intricate designs, including motifs like flowers, shamrocks, and grapevines. The use of padded cords and various stitches creates a unique three-dimensional texture, showcasing the skill and dedication of the lacemaker.
Connection to the Maker and Storytelling: Irish crochet is a tangible link to Ireland's past, particularly the resilience and resourcefulness of the Irish people during challenging times. Each piece of Irish crochet tells a story – a story of skill, dedication, and the history embedded in its creation. This personal connection to the maker and the narrative behind the craft contributes to its intrinsic value.
A breathtaking example of Edwardian-era artistry, this authentic antique Irish crochet blouse is a rare and intricate work of wearable history. Handcrafted in the early 1900s, it showcases the technical brilliance and romantic beauty of traditional Irish lacework. With its sculptural florals, delicate meshwork, and a regal high neckline, this piece evokes the refined elegance of a bygone world.
Whether worn as a statement blouse or treasured as a collector’s piece, this heirloom garment commands admiration for its craftsmanship, texture, and quiet luxury. Because of the construction, this can be worn as a classic high necked Victorian/Edwardian bodice blouse as historically intended, or turned around and worn as a fabulous cropped jacket.....two tops in one! Add a simple white skirt., or pair with jeans and a tank.
Features:
3/4 length sleeves
Fastens with tiny snaps
Genuine antique Irish crochet, handcrafted circa 1900s
Lavish floral and botanical motifs layered over delicate open mesh
High Victorian collar with scalloped edge
Shaped waist and elegant drape for a softly structured silhouette
Full-length sleeves with intricate flared lace cuffs
Natural ivory tone, beautifully aged with time
Museum-quality construction suitable for collectors, historians, or bridal heirlooms
Garment Measurements:
Bust and waist: up to 35 inches
Sleeve length: 16 inches
Length (shoulder to hem): 18 inches
Shoulder to shoulder at back: 17 inches
Fit: S/M
Notes:
Garment is clean and ready for wear/admiration
No notable or obvious breaks in the lace, excellent almost mint antique vintage condition
A History of Irish crochet lace: a legacy of resilience and beauty
Irish crochet lace, a distinctive and highly valued textile art form, emerged from a poignant chapter in Irish history and continues to hold significant cultural and artistic value today.
A lifeline during the Great Famine
The mid-19th century witnessed the devastation of the Great Irish Famine (1845-1849), when widespread potato crop failure led to starvation and mass emigration. In this desperate time, Irish crochet lace became a lifeline, providing a much-needed source of income for impoverished families.
Inspired by Venetian Lace: The techniques of Irish crochet were developed to mimic the intricate beauty of expensive Venetian point lace, making it a desirable alternative for the upper classes.
Teaching and Enterprise: Nuns in convents and relief schools, established in part due to famine relief efforts, taught the craft to women and girls across the country. These schools and stores not only provided education but also served as outlets for selling the handmade lace.
Cottage Industry: This fostered a thriving cottage industry where families and communities specialized in creating individual motifs – flowers, leaves, and other designs – which were then assembled into larger pieces like collars, cuffs, and dresses.
Why Irish crochet is valued today
Irish crochet's value today extends beyond its historical significance, encompassing its inherent artistry, cultural importance, and growing appeal in the modern craft and fashion worlds.
Intricate Beauty and Craftsmanship: Irish crochet is renowned for its delicate and intricate designs, including motifs like flowers, shamrocks, and grapevines. The use of padded cords and various stitches creates a unique three-dimensional texture, showcasing the skill and dedication of the lacemaker.
Connection to the Maker and Storytelling: Irish crochet is a tangible link to Ireland's past, particularly the resilience and resourcefulness of the Irish people during challenging times. Each piece of Irish crochet tells a story – a story of skill, dedication, and the history embedded in its creation. This personal connection to the maker and the narrative behind the craft contributes to its intrinsic value.
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