Images(4)

Cushion, Lacemaker's

Object number2008.105.1

Date1930-1950

OriginPescocostanzo, Italy

Mediumcotton; various metals; grass; paper

Credit LineGift of Antonella Di Ianni

DescriptionConical tombolo. Inside filled with dried bog grass and card board. Covered in cotton and linen textiles: black and white stripped on body covering; decorative multicolored knitted fabric attached to base. On top side, multiple straight pins in a paper pattern--which has red ink accents--white cotton sewing thread, and twelve brown wooden fuselli (bobbins). Extra pins on sides of paper pattern. White linen cloth covering attached just above pattern, with initials embroidered in red on bottom left corner.Dimensions12 x 11.5 x 11.75 in. (30.5 x 29.2 x 29.8 cm)
InscriptionsWhite linen cloth covering attached just above pattern, with initials, "M.G." embroidered in red on bottom left corner.
Historical NotesTombolo created in Pescocostanzo, Italy, birthplace of donor Antonella Di Ianni. A tombolo makes bobbin lace. It is stuffed with dried grass and was expertly created for the correct amount of firmness. The fuselli are normally handmade, though these associated with this particular object are newer. The pins are called spilli. The initials on the covering represent the donor's mother-in-law Maria di Giuglio Di Ianni, who probably used the covering in the 1930s when she also created bobbin lace. Donor Antonella Di Ianni came to Pittsburgh in 1959, and worked for Horne's Department Store as a seamstress. She has worked as a master lacemaker in the Pittsburgh area, having learnt the craft when she was a young girl in Italy.

Related person Maria di Giuglio Di Ianni

Related institution Joseph Horne Company (1849 - 1994)

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