Parasol
1865-1870 (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
Smaller folding parasols for open carriage rides were introduced in 1836 and remained the most popular form for the next 35 years. This example is made by Paris firm Cazal, as stamped on the brass runner, and has a hinged top allowing the cover to be angled towards the sun. It also features the patented Cazal sprung lever a novel variation on the usual opening mechanism. The ivory stick is elaborately carved, probably in China and bears the initials CB or possible GB or TB at its end.
Smaller folding parasols for open carriage rides were introduced in 1836 and remained the most popular form for the next 35 years. This example is made by Paris firm Cazal, as stamped on the brass runner, and has a hinged top allowing the cover to be angled towards the sun. It also features the patented Cazal sprung lever a novel variation on the usual opening mechanism. The ivory stick is elaborately carved, probably in China and bears the initials CB or possible GB or TB at its end.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silk taffeta, lined with silk, brass, carved ivory, whale bone |
| Brief description | Silk taffeta folding parasol with a carved ivory stick, made by Cazal, France, 1865-1870 |
| Physical description | Small and dome-shaped parasol with an ivory silk taffeta cover lined with cream silk. A frill is round the tip and another round the edge. Machine-stitched. Folding stick of finely carved ivory. The stick is hinged with the handle carved with floral trails in relief. The tip is also carved, and around it is tied a silk ribbon carrying string. The ribs are of whale bone. The hinge, slide and fastening catch are of brass metal engraved with floral patterns. The catch is of the spring lever type and engraved. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Credit line | Given by Mrs I. Hutchinson |
| 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 Smaller folding parasols for open carriage rides were introduced in 1836 and remained the most popular form for the next 35 years. This example is made by Paris firm Cazal, as stamped on the brass runner, and has a hinged top allowing the cover to be angled towards the sun. It also features the patented Cazal sprung lever a novel variation on the usual opening mechanism. The ivory stick is elaborately carved, probably in China and bears the initials CB or possible GB or TB at its end. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.183-1959 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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