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Women's black silk bathing cap
Women's black silk bathing cap

Women's black silk bathing cap

Date1900s
Object number00039503
NameCap
MediumFabric
Dimensions160 x 330 mm, 0.1 lb. (0.04 kg)
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis hand stitched black silk bathing bonnet from the early 1900s is embellished with black ribbons and bows and two bunches of fabric flowers sitting at the nape of the neck. On the right side is a yellow flower and leaf, and on the left is a small bunch of velvet blossoms that are a faded blue. The bonnet is lined with pleated cotton netting laid over a layer of pink silk. HistoryDuring the Edwardian period women bathed in long dresses worn over bloomers trimmed with ribbons or bows. This outfit was further accessorised with black stockings, lace-up boots or sandals, and cloth hats.SignificanceThe bonnet is a rare example of the type of cap that would have been used by women for bathing during the early 1900s.