Bonnet
MillinerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1835-1840
MediumHand-stitched, braided straw or grass. Covered wire around the edge of the brim and the base of the curtain. Loosely woven fabric inside crown. Silk linings
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 11 x 9 x 12 1/2in. (27.9 x 22.9 x 31.8cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Harriette Harrison
Object number1960.77.15
DescriptionWoman's straw bonnet with a deep, slightly flared, brim and crown. Made of very finely braided straw, the bonnet is constructed from five shaped pieces. The brim, along with its edging which is sewn on separately, are 7 1/2 inches wide at the center top; the edging is 1 5/8 inches wide. This strip is seamed at the center top and stitched on top of the brim. It extends the entire length of the brim and curves back at each lower end; one half of the edging width is used to finish the bottom of each end. The brim is attached to the deep crown with the raw edge of the crown over the brim. This seam is covered on the inside with a strip of white silk. The crown is approximately 5 inches deep and approximately 4 3/4 inches in diameter at the round top. The curtain, which is also straw, is attached to the base of the crown and the brim at the back of the neck. It is lined with a white silk. Both the curtain and the brim are stiffened with thread-covered wire; the wire on the brim was covered with a thin strip of white silk, the remnants of which are still visible. The sides of the crown are lined with a wide strip of loosely woven fabric, which also covers the seam between the crown and the curtain.
The contruction of the straw materials for this bonnet is remarkable. The top of the crown exhibits the characteristic spiral pattern. The braided strips of straw seem to be stitched together with more straw; the end product is a very smooth fabric with no apparent seams or joints, but with a subtle, decorative raised striped effect.
The contruction of the straw materials for this bonnet is remarkable. The top of the crown exhibits the characteristic spiral pattern. The braided strips of straw seem to be stitched together with more straw; the end product is a very smooth fabric with no apparent seams or joints, but with a subtle, decorative raised striped effect.
Status
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