Triangular shawl in Brussels lace, Belgium, circa 1860-70. A splendid example of Belgian production in the Napoleon III period, this sumptuous crinoline shawl or large mantilla with a superb design of leaves and flowers in the natural state, very finely made with bobbins and needlework, inlaid or applied on a fine tulle, was one of the rich ornaments of women's costume made to order by the greatest lace workshops for requests from European courts or wealthy clients. Composition with a large central bouquet with poppy flowers and magnificent arum leaves made by needlework with a beautiful effect of shading, and veins decorated with small fashions, with sprays of carnations, campanulas and vetch stems with tendrils and delicate spindle leaves, the same arum leaves and poppy flowers with needlework rising on both sides of the bouquet in an elegant composition to both ends. High border of the shawl with large blooming flowers and foliage masterfully made with spindles and needlework, the other two sides of the shawl structured by a needlework frieze punctuated with large chestnut leaves, and repeating these large and splendid blooming flowers that alternate with cartouches and elongated leaves, drawing the perimeter. Dim. 3,05 m x 1,38 m (slightly asymmetrical) (good condition, four very small cuts of 5 mm to 1 cm on approximately 10 cm, rare very fine restorations grouped in the tulle) Cf. Santina M. Levey "Lace a History" pl. 434