Textiles and Stuff

Description

A rare example of a late 18th Century Calash - a type of bonnet usually made of cotton or silk over a framework of cane or willow to protect the enormous coiffures of the second half of the eighteenth century. These were made to fold flat for convenience. This example is made of light brown glazed cotton on a framework of what appears to be split cane. The crown of the bonnet is gathered on to a circular disc and there is a wide frill at the neck. It is lined with a plain cotton fabric and has narrow tapes to tie under the chin and tapes in channels to draw up the back of the crown at the inside of the neck.

This elegant calash is in very good condition considering its age, but there are a few small holes and splits in one area of the frill, which can be seen in the photograph, there is a small hole in the brim and the outer piece of cane is broken at the top of the brim.

This is a rare example of a calash and a wonderful addition to a costume collection.
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