Parasol

Unknown

1855–65 · silk, linen, metal, wood, ivory, coral · Costume Institute

While this parasol is beautiful and of the highest quality, the handle is of particular interest and must be noted. Made of coral, it is intricately carved with fascinating imagery, especially the somewhat grotesque male face that contrasts with the playfully entwined puttee at the top. The ivory stick is made to resemble a bramble and the knots are emphasized with coral color. Coral handles, such as this, were commonly made in Italy.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1855–65

Medium

silk, linen, metal, wood, ivory, coral

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Bequest of Delancey Thorn Grant, in memory of Louise Floyd-Jones Thorn, 1990