Bodice

Description

A bodice made from ivory silk (a textured weave, described by previous cataloguer as "dobby weave") fully boned with strips of baleen. This bodice closes at the front with a series of brass hook and eyes. The sleeves are slightly puffed at the shoulder and then tapered throughout. The bodice is trimmed along the waist and the front with chiffon. The collar, central area of the bodice (running from neck to waist) and sleeves are trimmed in embroidered silk organza, scalloped around the edges and embroidered throughout with a clover motif. The sleeve cuffs are embellished with gathered rosettes of the primary fabric. There is a small rectangular pad of moire silk attached to the interior, although the opposite side does not have a matching cushion, it is probably missing. This type of cushion was used in pairs to help smooth the fit of the bodice from the public side. Possibly made in France (Paris) or the United States (Philadelphia or New York) the waistband, which is the traditional location for the maker's label, is unmarked. Worn as a wedding dress wih 2001.0037.009 B in 1890.