Items
Tag
wool
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Jacket One of the earliest examples of knitted clothing, this silk jacket shows extreme craftsmanship within the variance of stitch. The artisan moved between stocking, purl, and lace techniques to create a variety of effects throughout the piece including the chevron design along the bottom hem. The two pieces were knit flat and then seamed together as indicated by the brown stitching along the sides. This was type of construction was typical of period where most pieces were made in Italy (the center of production) and then assembled by the buyer at the final destination. -
Cap This reddish-brown closely knitted cap with flat crown, has lost original felt surface and presumably bright red color. The cap has a slightly projecting brim of reverse stocking stitch construction. there are the remains of strings attached at each side suggesting that the cap was meant to be tied at the crown. Size suggests it may have belonged to young boy/small adult male however its was popular during the time for men to wear these caps on the side of the head, rather than on top. The manufacture of caps during this time was mandated from 1488 on control by Act of Parliament. In 1571, the “Cappers Act” stated that every person above the age of six years (excluding women and noblemen) shall wear a “on Sundays and Holidays a cap of wool, thickens and dressed in England” in order to keep the domestic production alive. This attributes the owner as securely in the middle class.