Early 18th Century (?) Hand Drawn Lace Border Template Design on Two Pieces of Contemporary Recycled Vellum, One Showing a Document Fragment
Two pieces of vellum which are stitched together, the upper side showing a repeating design in sepia coloured ink of eight stars within a lower gadrooned border. I believe it to be a template pattern for making a decorative lace border, and a number of tiny pin holes which are visible when held up to the light, may give this opinion some substance, where holding pins would have been placed.
The reverse side is quite curious, the right side is a fragment from a property deed which has some manuscript insertions. Though not dated, the writing style would seems to suggest somewhere between 1680-1720.
Approx. 567x95mm., some light grime and small wear, though overall in remarkable condition. A wonderful piece of early recycling.