A 15th - 17th century laced handkerchief
Among the classical heritage rediscovered during the Renaissance was the handkerchief. It had been used by the Roman, who ordinarily wore two handkerchiefs (sudarium): one on the left wrist and one tucked in at the waist or around the neck. In the fifteenth century, the handkerchief was for a time allowed only to the nobility; special laws were made to enforce this.
A Roman emperor wearing sudarium on his neck
A Roman emperor wearing sudarium on his neck
