Wednesday 17 March 2010

A Pencilled Silk Empire Line Bodice c1800-1810











I don't usually collect costume, but I couldn't resist this, I think it is an empire-line silk bodice dating to about 1800-1810, with it's low, square neckline & small puff sleeves. It would have been attached to a separate skirt.This one is made of 'pencilled' or delicately painted silk, presumably to imitate contemporary embroidery. It is fastened at the back with raised, silk-covered buttons and silk ties.



5 comments:

  1. You are so right Christine, it is delicious! x

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  2. This is such a sweet flowered bodice ~ I love how it has retained the shape of the wearer, as if the memory of her is sealed into the silken fabric. A springtime lovely! xo Kari

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  3. What a lovely way to describe the shape Kari, it is really evocative of the 'personality' left behind in such hand made garments from long ago.

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  4. Gorgeous! I love all the hand stitching!

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