Parasol
1880s (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The parasol was a popular accessory during the 19th and early 20th century, a period when sun tanned skin was highly undesirable. It functioned both as a sunshade and a fashionable accompaniment to dress, distinguishing itself from the umbrella through its infinite and luxurious forms and essentially feminine status. Like the earlier trend for fans parasols displayed an individual's style and could be used in a coquettish ritual to hide the modest bearer from unwanted glances.
Brown satin, such as in this example, was a popular choice for the parasol cover. A cream satin lines the inside, covering the stretchers and ribs. The deep lace flounce around the edges would have further hidden the face when modesty was required. The cover for this parasol is adorned with forget-me-nots, traditionally associated with enduring love and faithfulness, which suggests this may have been given as a love token.
Brown satin, such as in this example, was a popular choice for the parasol cover. A cream satin lines the inside, covering the stretchers and ribs. The deep lace flounce around the edges would have further hidden the face when modesty was required. The cover for this parasol is adorned with forget-me-nots, traditionally associated with enduring love and faithfulness, which suggests this may have been given as a love token.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Embroidered silk satin lined with silk, lace, metal and lacquered wood |
| Brief description | Parasol of embroidered silk satin and lace, Great Britain, 1880s |
| Physical description | Parasol consisting of a dark brown silk satin cover embroidered with bright blue forget-me-nots and leafy tendrils (embroidery now faded to an almost uniform cream/beige colour). Bow loops of brown satin at the tip of the cover. Metal ferule and carrying ring at the cover-tip of the handle. Deep lace flounce (Alencon?). Ivory silk lining. 'Rustic' handle, and heavily lacquered/varnished wood. |
| Dimensions |
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| Production type | Unique |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | The parasol was a popular accessory during the 19th and early 20th century, a period when sun tanned skin was highly undesirable. It functioned both as a sunshade and a fashionable accompaniment to dress, distinguishing itself from the umbrella through its infinite and luxurious forms and essentially feminine status. Like the earlier trend for fans parasols displayed an individual's style and could be used in a coquettish ritual to hide the modest bearer from unwanted glances. Brown satin, such as in this example, was a popular choice for the parasol cover. A cream satin lines the inside, covering the stretchers and ribs. The deep lace flounce around the edges would have further hidden the face when modesty was required. The cover for this parasol is adorned with forget-me-nots, traditionally associated with enduring love and faithfulness, which suggests this may have been given as a love token. |
| Other number | TN.76-1954 - Previous number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.277-1998 |
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| Record created | May 31, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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