Description

Antique French silk parasol, checkered silk in mauve & grey, carved and folding handle, Victorian era parasol umbrella for young girl.

DESCRIPTION:
Very lovely antique French parasol dating mid to late 1800’s, Victorian era. This wonderful antique parasol has small size, it was intended for a young girl probably, it is made from checkered silk in tones of white, pale mauve, mauve, grey and black. Edged with mauve and beige silk fringes and passamanterie trim.
Folding handle made from carved bone.

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 laboured 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 colours, 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 industrialisation 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…. it still displays very well when closed and also when opened it really has a “faded grandeur” charme…

CONDITIONS:
Conditions are good for its age, as you can see from photos the silk textile has some tears and light traces of wear, interior silk is in good conditions with just light signs of wear. Bone handle is nicely carved.
The structure of this parasol is sturdy, it opens and closes well, it has a turned bone tip but the finial is missing.

MEASURES:
This antique parasol is 20 1/2″ (52 cm) long and 15 3/4″ (40 cm) wide when completely open.