Ladies faux flower bonnet, Bath, ca. 1850
Item 110662 info
Maine Historical Society
The bill of this silk ladies bonnet is trimmed in lilac faux flowers made of a plain weave cotton fabric. Victorian-era (1837-1901) fashions and décor were especially fond of artificial flowers. The artificial flower industry originated in ancient China. Eventually the practice found its way to Europe.
By the Renaissance period, Chinese and European made silk flowers adorned Western fashions, with French made flowers considered the highest in quality. While initially made from silk, manufactures later made artificial flowers from alternate fabrics. This bonnet’s cotton flowers are affixed to the wide accordion-style brim, meant to frame the wearer’s face. Classic in its style, the bonnet dates between 1840 and 1860.
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