Bonnet
Original OwnerProbably originally owned by
Louisa Nichols
MillinerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1860
MediumHand-stitched braided straw or grass, with silk ribbon trims, silk lining, and loosely-woven unidentified fabric as lining
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 12 1/8 x 8 x 6 1/4in. (30.8 x 20.3 x 15.9cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Frank M. Chapin
Object number1953.19.14
DescriptionWoman's bonnet made of thin straw or grass braid, decorated with wide pink silk ribbon. The braid from which this bonnet is made is finely plaited into a 1/8-inch-wide strip. The bonnet has a long, high brim, with little distinct intersection between the brim and crown. The brim piece is approximately 4 1/2 wide at the center top. The line between the two pieces of shaped braid (the brim and crown) is covered by a very wide pink silk satin ribbon, folded over the seam and continuing as ties. The ribbon measures 3 1/2 inches in width and extends 28 inches from the brim end. The ties are cut in a swallowtail at the ends. A large bow completes the decoration at the top of the bonnet, slightly to the proper right of the center. The brim is lined with a white silk fabric, stitched to the edge so that a narrow band of braid can be seen. Thread pickings and holes in the silk indicate there may have been other trims of flowers and/or bows under the brim. The ends of the brim extend down below the line of the back of the bonnet, ending in points that curve up to meet the base of the crown. The crown itself is approximately 5 1/2 deep at the top and 1 7/8 inch deep at the back of the neck. The flat measurement of the back is approximately five inches high and 4 1/2 inches wide. The crown is lined around the sides with a loosely-woven fabric. The bottom of the crown is trimmed with a curtain (or "bavolet") of the pink ribbon attached with inverted pleats. Wire is used to support and shape the edge of the bonnet all around the braided edge.
Status
Not on view
