Communion kerchief - from Besztercebánya (now Banská Bystrica, Slovakia)

In each corner of the kerchief there is a flower-stalk issuing from a pear-shaped motif and curving in the shape of a circle. In the middle of this circle there is a large rosette with eight petals. Small, closed pomegranates tulips and leaves crossing the stalk and four-petal flowers placed on it gird around this middle motif.

In the centre of the kerchief, in a garland of leaves, is the Lamb of God above the garland the initials I.C. Beneath the Lamb the letters MF can be seen, and beneath the garland the date 1683.

The corner-motifs are the work of a professional embroiderer. The drawing of these and the geometric pattering of certain flowers both attest to outstanding ability. The central garland is the work of different, unsophisticated hands. In all probability it was sewn onto a handkerchief made somewhat earlier, when the piece was selected as a gif to a church.