This artefact, a handmade decorative lace doily, represents the rich tradition of Slovene bobbin lacemaking, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. It is crafted using linen threads with meticulous attention to traditional techniques, reflecting a centuries-old practice passed down through generations. What makes this piece particularly unique is its embodiment of “Slovene lace,” which blends traditional patterns with national folk ornamentation. Created by the renowned Cvetke Žiri Lacemaking Society, the doily showcases a fusion of historical craftsmanship and contemporary artistic interpretation. Its delicate design and intricate patterns serve as a testament to the skill and creativity of Slovene lacemakers, ensuring that this cultural heritage continues to inspire and evolve in modern times.
DETAILS
Details of the lace doily. Author: Kati Sekirnik, Handicrafts centre Škofja Loka.
Inspiration
Lace pattern (“papirc”) from the late 19th or early 20th century. Source: Lace Collection, Idrija Municipal Museum (ID: 510:IDR;CZ-452).
“Spinning” – a lacemaking get-together at Štefan’s in Žiri around 1925. Source: Škofja Loka Museum archive.
Location
The selection of this artefact is the responsibility of designer Maria Bruno Néo and is part of her doctoral work ‘A HISTÓRIA INCOMPLETA DO DESIGN PORTUGUÊS: CONTRIBUTOS PARA A INSCRIÇÃO DA DESIGNER HELENA CARDOSO/THE INCOMPLETE HISTORY OF PORTUGUESE DESIGN: CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE INSCRIPTION OF DESIGNER HELENA CARDOSO’ supervised by Professors Susana Barreto and Luís Mendonça, both from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Porto/Portugal.