Bonnet
MillinerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1860-1880
MediumHand-stitched silk with cardboard, loosely woven and stiffened cotton, net, and wire
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 8 x 7 5/8 x 8 1/2in. (20.3 x 19.4 x 21.6cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineMuseum purchase
DescriptionWoman's bonnet of grey-green silk. The brim, four inches wide at center top, is constructed of very stiff cardboard covered smoothly with silk. The brim has wire along the edge. The corners or ends of the brim are rounded and extend several inches below the base of the crown. The brim is lined with a light weight, cream-colored silk. The crown is 3 3/4 inches deep and measures five inches in diameter at the back. The silk covering is folded and gathered before being stitched to the brim. The silk covering is pleated along the bottom or base of the crown. A curtain of silk, lined with net, is decorated with three lines of folds. It is gathered and stitched to the base of the crown and the brim. A folded strip of silk covers the seam and creates a bow at the center back. The ends of the bow are neatly edged and shaped. The crown is shaped with layers of loosely woven, heavily stiffened cotton. There is no lining in the crown.
Object number1963.16.30
NotesHistorical Note: Although the object file does not indicate that this item originated in the Enfield Shaker Community, it was the only Shaker community in Connecticut. The Connecticut Historical Society would not have acquired this piece if it were not from Connecticut; thus, it must be from the Enfield Shaker Community. (Malley 3/2/2004)Subject Terms
On View
Not on view
