Parasol

Unknown

1880–89 · silk · Costume Institute

Overall, this is a very complex pattern with typical forms but an additional unusual motif of the chain link. This motif seems slightly out of character with the floral swags and curvilinear scrolls. However, the chain link was a very prevalent decorative form in the carving of ivory handles in the fourth quarter of the nineteenth century and this motif is carried out in this elegant parasol cover.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1880–89

Medium

silk

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of the late Mrs. Geoffrey Howell in memory of her mother, Mrs. James Marsh Griggs and all her daughters, 1944