This special thing is a piece of late 19th century figural Italian Cantu lace, entirely made by hand. At the center is this wonderful raised appliquéd woman holding a scythe, with a patch of wheat before her, flowers and a butterfly at her back, and perhaps the shade of a few leafy branches overhead, all set amid this great net-like ground.  Perhaps it was once part of a tablecloth decoration, I'm not sure, but now I'd  treat it as the work of art it is and frame it. Very finely done and completely charming--and the perfect gift for your favorite woman farmer! 

9 inches tall x  and 8 inches wide and in excellent condition, with only very very minor staining and a few very tiny holes.