chemise
- Museum number
- 2015,8011.2
- Description
-
Chemise, hand spun and hand woven linen, flared shape, made up of a number of pieces of fabric corresponding to loom widths, the sleeves of cream-coloured silk gauze with scalloped cotton lace borders, the gauze densely gathered under the arm for greater strength. The lace is gathered for fullness and attached to a commercially-made cream brocaded ribbon. It has been sewn on back to front with the raised outlines on the inside. The hem embroidered with a deep band of geometric floral ornament incorporating tree of life motifs in bright and dark red, blue, green, yellow and black wool thread. Where the fabric pieces are joined the embroidery has been carried further up the skirt forming vertical bands that embellish the seams which are densely oversewn in black and flanked by foliate motifs. A further small section of mostly red embroidery is found at chest level on the left hand side, partly obscured by the fabric seam; it is the same pattern as found on the hem but reversed.
- Production date
- 1900-1915
- Dimensions
-
Length: 134 centimetres (top to hem, at back)
-
Width: 47 centimetres (across shoulders)
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Width: 86.50 centimetres (hem)
- Curator's comments
- For a comparable costume from Agia Anna, Evvoia, see A. Hatzimichali, 'The Greek Folk Costume', vol. I, Athens 1977, p. 174-194.
The emboidered motif in red at chest level may have been a trial for the hem, or may be a deliberate protective motif.
- Location
- Not on display
- Condition
- gauze of sleeves torn in places
- Acquisition date
- 2015
- Acquisition notes
- Acquired by donor's grandfather, Lt Col. R K Morcom, during military service in Greece in the First World War.
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- 2015,8011.2