Chalice Veil with Monogram of Christ

This piece has been identified as a veil used to cover the chalice that holds the wine until the moment of communion in a Catholic Mass. The central monogram (IHS) abbreviates the name of Christ in Greek, surrounded by a circle of rays that indicate a holy symbol. The technique is of needle lace, knotted in an irregular pattern (mezza mandolina) and darned in two directions.