Important 18th Century Ladies Coif ~ Museum Quality

This ladies coif of metallic silk brocade dates between 1720 and 1760. Coifs were worn indoors as semi-formal dress, or when receiving visitors whilst in bed.

The brocade has alternating patterns of large gold flowers and smaller sprays of flowers worked in peach, blue and green silk threads. The back of the coif is gathered and ruched by hand with parallel rows of running stitches with an applied floral design in the center. The applied design is encircled by brass sequins with the flower being made up of thin pieces of what appears to be copper making up the petals. These are outlined and highlighted with outlines of metallic bullion thread with three paste stones applied to the central motif. Above the central flower is a larger applied stone of glass or paste in an amber color. Lined in a coarse natural linen the edge is bound with peach silk ribbon that has partially worn but is still present. Entirely hand stitched and in excellent condition.

Measures 6" tall from crown to nape of neck, 4.5" to 5" deep from back to front edge.