Antique Lace Designs
ANTIQUE LACE DESIGNS
Antique lace possesses a rare beauty of structure, delicacy, history, craftsmanship, and human touch. The designs below draw upon an extensive collection of exceptional antique lace gathered over many years, using its intricate patterns, textures, rhythms, transparency, and extraordinary craftsmanship as points of departure for new sculptural and decorative possibilities. Though deeply informed by historic lace traditions, these concepts seek not merely to preserve the past, but to reinterpret its beauty through dimensional form, ornament, atmosphere, and contemporary artistic invention.
I have long been fascinated by lace because it is at once fragile and architectural—an object of extraordinary refinement built through rhythm, repetition, delicacy, structure, and negative space. Over many years, I assembled an extensive collection of remarkable antique lace whose beauty and craftsmanship continue to inspire new visual directions. These concepts explore how lace might evolve into dimensional porcelain and glass objects possessing sculptural presence, richness, atmosphere, and enduring beauty. Many imagine works that feel intricate, luminous, richly layered, and materially seductive—pieces intended not merely as ornament, but as lasting objects of refinement, delicacy, wonder, and visual enchantment.
George F. Engel
For Wedgwood to replicate my Serenity Medallion they would have to 'lay-on' every white object by hand taking many hours; a task likely avoided today due to difficulty/time/cost factors. I cast my Serenity and Princess Diana roundels in approximately forty minutes. The teaching/learning curve for a worker trained to cast in Jasperware porcelain is easy. Low to moderate skill level is all that is needed. I have to add here that I have had very limited experience glazing THE SPIDER’S LAIR and I find casting Jasperware 1000x easier!
Immediately below are my designs of some ‘FROZEN’ Roundels showing what spectacularly complex, beautiful objects can be created.
George F. Engel
'FROZEN' FIRST FROST Roundel Series Wall Hangings And/Or Coasters With 24K Gold Details Cast In A One-Piece, Open-Faced Rubber Mold (6" Jasperware Porcelain) (4" Christmas Ornament)
'FROZEN' FIRST SNOWFALL Roundel Series Christmas Ornament With 24K Gold Details Cast In A One-Piece, Open-Faced Rubber Mold Jasperware Porcelain (4" Diameter)
In Honor of UKRANIAN Colors
Napkin Ring Jasperware Porcelain Cast In A One-Piece, Open-Faced, Wrap-Around Rubber Mold (3.5" Long)
EARRINGS MONTAGE Top Row Left ~ Jasperware Porcelain, Glass Frit And Reticulation Top Row Right ~ Porcelain Plique-à-Jour™ and Reticulation Bottom Row Left ~ Jasperware Bottom Row Center ~ Reticulation Bottom Row Right ~ Porcelain Cloisonné™ All Cast In A One-Piece, Open-Faced Rubber Mold (2.5" Tall)
Classic ISLAMIC DESIGN Coaster Cast In A One-Piece, Open-Faced Rubber Mold Jasperware Porcelain (5" Diameter)
Selection Of JEWELRY PENDANTS And EARRINGS All Cast In A One-Piece, Open-Faced Rubber Mold (¾" To 2.5" Wide)
PEKINGESE DOG EMPEROR Cast In A One-Piece, Wrap-Around Rubber Mold (3" Tall)
PINE CONE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS Jasperware Porcelain Rubber Molded From An Actual Pine Cone (6" Tall) INSET: Plaster Molded Porcelain Cast
DIONYSUS AND HIS PANTHER Roundel Cast In A One-Piece, Open-Faced Rubber Mold Jasperware Porcelain (11" Diameter)
POMANDER Top Half Cast In A One-Piece, Open-Faced Rubber Mold Jasperware Porcelain (3/4" Diameter)
'FROZEN' FIRST SNOWFALL Roundel Series Christmas Tree Ornaments Montage Cast In A One-Piece, Open-Faced Rubber Mold Jasperware Porcelain (4" Diameter)
