Bonnet
MillinerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1840-1850
MediumHand-stitched braided straw or grass with loosely woven lining fabric, thread-covered wire, and later additions of lace, ribbons, and artificial flowers
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 10 x 7 1/2 x 11 1/4in. (25.4 x 19.1 x 28.6cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Elisha H. Cooper
DescriptionWoman's bonnet of finely braided straw or braided grass originally lined with a loosely woven strip of fabric in the crown and under the entire brim. The brim is 5 inches deep at the center top and curves for 26 inches around the face. The sides of the brim drop down below the crown, with the ends of the brim curving almost to a point before the curve smoothes out, connecting to the crown. The crown is 5 inches deep and 5 inches in diameter at its round top. A curtain of straw is attached to the base of the crown and the brim. Over this piece is stitched a curtain ( or "bavolet") of grey and white striped silk ornamented with a row of very fine straw braid. This is stiffened with a starched net lining. The decorations added later to the bonnet include a three-inch-wide insertion of machine-made bobbin lace, with a cream-colored, 5/8-inch-wide ribbon, stitched around the outside of the brim and over the seam of crown and brim. There is also a confection of flowers stamped from fabric and attached to covered wires, in shades of white, pink, and green. The pink lining under the brim and matching ties have machine-stitching.
Object number1957.49.3
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