Selected pages from Charles Blanc's 1875 book on art in adornment and dress, comprising the chapter 'Dentelles' (pp. 271-308). Blanc treats lace as a decorative element, distinguishing lace from guipure and embroidery, and explains grounds (réseau), motifs, fillings (toilé, grillé, mat), jours, picots and edgings. He compares needle lace, bobbin lace and machine lace, discusses design principles, and describes regional types such as Alençon, Brussels, Bruges, Malines, Chantilly and blonde. He also covers which laces suit which wearers and garments, lace worn by men and the clergy, and the effect of machines on lace workers. Illustrated with lace samples and ground patterns.