Lace making is not an indigenous art in Sri Lanka. Lace making was first introduced to Sri Lanka by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

Lace making was practiced by the Dutch ladies during the Dutch colonial era too. Subsequently Sri Lankan ladies caught on Lace making and established a handicraft in Sri Lanka.

During the 19th century, when Galle sea-port was in its heyday, lace products of the South-western coastal belt arose to outstanding heights in popularity. Today lace making is continued mainly by the Sri Lankan ladies who inherited the handicraft from their ancestors. Many areas in Sri Lanka the ladies are seen engaged in lace making-crochet and tatting-in the verandahs of their houses.

Among the range of products made with lace making are blouses, table linen, curtains, bed spreads and pillows and garments.

Description

This is a stunning hand-knit