Accessory set

C. G. Gunther's Sons

1890–99 · fur, silk · Costume Institute

Long associated with royalty, ermine is always regarded as a status symbol for the person who wears it. Made of the distinctive black and white pelts, this accessory set represents the type of luxurious fur accessories used and valued in the Belle Époque period, when ermine fur and even ermine head decorations were de rigueur trimmings for winter attire. C. G. Gunther's Sons, the manufacturer of this ensemble, was a highly-regarded New York furrier of the 19th century which catered to an elite and fashionable clientele.

Artist

C. G. Gunther's Sons

Date

1890–99

Medium

fur, silk

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Eleanor F. Peck, 1969