"Italian, early 18th century Altar cloth. Fine white linen ground, pieced in several places, embroidered with fine white linen thread in button hole, stem and chain stitches and a variety of openwork stitches. Borders show rows of birds, animals and flowers. A circular medallion in center containing IHS, with cross and three nails, surrounded by a burst of rays and pinks. Narrow scalloped bobbin lace edging all around. A number of small darned places."@en . . . .