Historical information
The surplice is a liturgical vestment in the form of a tunic of white linen or cotton fabric, reaching to the knees, with wide or moderately wide sleeves. The lower segment is usually lace or lace trimmed. In this case it is hand crocheted. Here too the cuffs of the sleeves are lace trimmed backed with red silk to denote the rank of the wearer, in this case a bishop.