#4012 $1,950 Sold
Irish crochet lace coat, c.1900
With its gracefully defined shape, this stylish lace coat epitomizes the refinement and elegance of the early Edwardian period. The jacket has all the attributes favored by serious collectors: unusual large medallions in the lace pattern; a variety of floral motifs; and a pleasing arrangement of the motifs.
The easy-to-wear coat features wide, roomy sleeves and open vents at the sides and center-back. It has no front closures. The unique decorative rope lacing, ending in large crocheted balls, gives the coat a special distinction.
The European craft of crochet achieved an aesthetic pinnacle in Ireland, where crochet artists used 17th century Venetian needlepoint laces as their inspiration. The quintessential Irish lace is Irish crochet, already famous in 1743 when the Royal Dublin Society awarded prizes for outstanding examples.
When we consider the modern history of women's high fashion, we tend to think only of Parisian couture, invented by Charles Worth in 1858. If costume art is a lovely flowering tree, its main trunk was indeed couture. There were, however, other fine branches on the tree: Aesthetic Dress was one; and Irish lace was the other.
The distinguishing element of Irish crochet lace is three dimensional raised work. Handmade Irish lace garments do not have unsightly seams. The shape of the garment is built-in with the hand assembly of the individual motifs. The best crochet laces are always very firmly and evenly worked, as in our beautiful coat.
Aside from its beauty, Irish crochet is favored by collectors because it is durable. The coat is fashioned from white cotton yarn that can be washed and will not disintegrate.You can wear this work of art without fear of destroying a museum treasure.
The condition is excellent. It is clean and ready to wear.
The size is slightly adjustable due to the open front. It measures: 38" bust, 34" waist, 42" hip, 15" sleeve length, and 45" from the shoulder to the hem.
