Description

Antique French parasol, floral fabric in beige & purple, bakelite handle, Edwardian era parasol umbrella, vintage French parasol.

DESCRIPTION:
Wonderful antique French parasol dating to the early 1900’s, Edwardian era.
The parasol is made from light beige cotton fabric with lovely design of flowers in tons of purple, lavender, light brown, beige and rotten green.
Cane is made from blond wood with curved bakelite handle, partially broken.

There exists documentary evidence that parasols were used as part of secular wear in Italy during the 17th century. By the late 18th century, the accessory was becoming increasingly modish and frequently figured in the fashion plates that had begun to make their appearance in France. Subsequently, the parasol vogue spread through the Western world. Parasols were available in America by the early 19th century – possibly earlier. – and we know that Americans followed European fashions closely through imported fashion journals and magazines.
During the 19th century, parasols were an important element in achieving the fashionable “look” of the time. For a woman of the upper classes, a pale complexion that required little or no make-up was important, for it reinforced the 19th-century ideal of inactivity and dependence upon a husband; it also distinguished her from the sunburnt masses who labored out-of-doors. Parasols were flattering items that lent themselves perfectly to the caprices of fashion. Parasol styles were forever changing, often influenced by fashionable dress silhouettes, materials, embellishments and colors, or by other fashion accessories, such as the purse. Their undoubted charm explains why they feature so frequently in paintings of the period.
During the late 18th century and throughout the 19th, an amazing number of patents were registered in England and France for both parasols and umbrellas. The development in England of a stronger rib was the object of several such patents. Early parasol ribs were made of cane or whalebone, with brass not appearing until the 1830’s. Steel came into use in 1840 with the invention by Henry Holland of tubular ribs of tempered steel. This innovation was eclipsed by the work of Samuel Fox, who introduced a solid steel rib in 1847, followed in 1852 by U-shaped ribs in sections, which he sold under the trade name of “Paragon” and advertised as the strongest of the time. Further refinement of the parasol rib continued during the following decades.
The introduction of the sewing machine in the 1860’s – an event of vital importance – led to industrialization and the mass production of many fashion items, including parasols. As a consequence, the price of parasols fell and this stylish accessory became increasingly available

HOW TO USE IT:
This parasol could be wonderful to add to your collection of antique Edwardian and Victorian era French parasols, also very lovely to use in interior decorations in Nordic style, Jeanne D’Arc Living style, antique French boudoir style!

CONDITION:
The parasol’s handle is partially broken, there are some small brown stains due to aging and some pin holes.
The structure of this parasol is sturdy, it opens and closes well, it has a wooden tip with metal reinforcement.

MEASURES:
This antique parasol is 36″ 3/8 (92.5 cm) long and 35″ (89 cm) wide when completely open.