Dear Alison, There is a long history of nuns making bobbin lace in Asia. They went there as missionaries from European nations. I have a Mechlin lace-trimmed handkerchief beautifully handmade in the early 20th C. that was probably made in Asia. It is a very convincing copy of an 18th Century lace, shown on page 162 of Lady Emily Reigate's Illustrated Guide to Lace - border of basket of flowers alternating with huntsman and reindeer. After considerable study, several experts concluded that this copy could have been made in Asia. There are many clues as to the possibility of nuns teaching the finer points of lace making in Asia, but it is generally not documented very well and would have been very controversial in Europe in the period when handmade bobbin lace was "going out of business". The wealthy had connections with lace dealers, and could have handmade laces made wherever they could be completed at the least expense. My handkerchief is too small in size to be an 18th C. "flirting device" (clue 1). It has an Art Deco-style monogram on the linen (clue 2). The lace is made to turn corners, whereas the original lace would have been gathered at the corners (clue 3). The lace is sewn on by a sewing machine (clue 4). Etc. This has been studied in a museum using the best possible magnification and photographic equipment, and it has been compared to the original 18th C. lace. Most collectors would have discarded the handkerchief, but I felt young inexperienced scholars of the future can learn a lot from examples like it. It was offered as a gift to the museum - for study purposes. After over a year with no action, I asked that it be returned. Museums tend to be short-sighted, to the detriment of future research. Early in Arachne's history, we had a lacemaker from India who had a Master's Degree from a London university. Her children were in university. She was employed by one of India's largest corporations. She made lace as a hobby. So, technically, handmade lace is made in India. If it is "manufactured", it is probably made by machine now, with perhaps a few exceptions (the same as everywhere in the world). From time-to-time we do read about Asian lacemakers - in our Guild magazines. Japanese and Korean lacemakers attend OIDFA Congresses, and there is a good exchange of information and teachers in place. You have to consider the "economic" impact on womens' activities of this kind in some nations. Your question was brief, but there is much to consider. Is this helpful information? Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center
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