Antique Sampler possibly?

[Unitedstatesofamerica1]

 

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[DCMatt]

Doily (aka Doylee or doylie)?

First Popular in the Victorian era. Still popular in some places, I guess...

DCMatt

 

[Tigger]

Not a sampler, nor a doily in the classic sense (crocheted), tho it seems to be an ornamental mat of some sort. It is a hooked piece, similar to the kind my grandma would do in wool (chair covers, small rugs). The medium is interesting - not sure what it is made of. Don't try to wash it until someone has seen it.

 

[gunsil]

My aunt used to make things like that to put on the table to set warm dishes of food on, sort of like a trivet. The size is right for this usage.