Bidspirit auction | Irish Linen- Grass Bleach circa

Irish Linen- Grass Bleach circa 1780-1890 - 2 large Irish linen, tablecloths, one with the original paper tags in place. This is for a very large, royal table. The paper tags say ”Made in Ireland”. There is also a tag that reads ”Grass Bleach” which is an ancient method of turning newly woven fabric (which is usually brown or yellow) into a bright white, without using harsh chemicals that will weaken the strength of the fabric. First used by the ancient Egyptians. They have ”bleaching fields” of growing grass that they spread the new fabric on, and keep it wet. Between the oxygen from the grass and the sunshine, it whitens the fabric over time. The second cloth has unfinished hems. It also is very large. Both are in excellent condition.