Plastron, late 19th century

A friend of mine identified this as a plastron. The work on this one is quite similar to the first cape I posted, which makes me think that they are from the same period. It's made of silk, that covers a heavier fabric of some kind, probably to give warmth. The entire surface is covered with rushed ribbons in very transparent silk, and the same kind of silk if used for the ruffle at the ends. There is also a lace insertion, in very beautiful black lace. There is no closure, and though I guess it could be tied, in hangs very well without being so. It shows no signs of being tied either.



The outside, back and end


Detail of the back

The inside, back and end