Not currently on display at the V&A

Pair of Mittens

ca. 1600 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Elaborately decorated mittens of rich materials were worn in the early 17th century, as well as gloves. Although black gloves were worn by those participating in funeral processions, records indicate that mourning gloves were usually plain black leather. The silk velvet of these mittens with applied braid and silk fringe are probably too sumptuous for mourning. They may have been made to match an ensemble in black velvet.

The palms of each mitten have a horizontal opening to free the fingers when necessary.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Mitten
  • Mitten
Materials and techniques
Silk velvet, braided, lined with silk plush, and interlined with woollen cloth
Brief description
A pair of black silk velvet mittens lined with silk plush, Great Britain, ca. 1600
Physical description
Pair of black silk velvet mittens with tabbed cuffs applied with black silk braid across the palm. The cuffs are edged with black silk fringe and lined with black silk plush. The gauntlets interlined with woollen broadcloth. The seams, palm-slits and thumbs bound with a narrow black silk braid (mainly missing). The gauntlets are slit into six square-ended tabs and are decorated round the wrists and along the tabs with applied bands of 1¼-inch (3.2 mm) black silk woven lace [braid]. The edges are decorated with a narrow fringe of black silk.
Dimensions
  • T.30 1975 length: 39.0cm (approx)
  • T.30 1975 width: 20.0cm (approx)
  • T.30 a 1975 length: 39.5cm (approx)
  • T.30 a 1975 width: 21.0cm (approx)
Credit line
Given by Miss Agnus A. Hepburn and Mrs Margaret Owen
Summary
Elaborately decorated mittens of rich materials were worn in the early 17th century, as well as gloves. Although black gloves were worn by those participating in funeral processions, records indicate that mourning gloves were usually plain black leather. The silk velvet of these mittens with applied braid and silk fringe are probably too sumptuous for mourning. They may have been made to match an ensemble in black velvet.

The palms of each mitten have a horizontal opening to free the fingers when necessary.
Collection
Accession number
T.30&A-1975

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Record createdJuly 17, 2008
Record URL
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