This is a stunning and unusually colored phenomenal Victorian bonnet of vibrant raspberry handwoven and wired chip straw, trimmed with WONDERFUL vibrant pink hand-painted silk poppies and a huge boned silk taffeta bow! This absolutely stunning hat was made in the height of frivolous French and Italian couture worn in Paris 1889-1892 for the extremely rich who did not need a bonnet do anything than look charming on a summer day. Made by "Mme. Josse at 3 Boulevard Italiens, Paris (underneath)" (written in stylized yellow-gold of the finest makers). Mme. Josse was a famous hat maker at the time. The straw crown is very tiny, and diamond shaped. Four separate brims make up the "Flower petal" brims (bonnet made to resemble a flower!). The handmade and hand painted thick silk poppies surround the brims, and the very decadent and poufy boned bows decorate the front. Long, stylish pink silk taffeta ties tie prettily under the chin. There's a white silk tissue bun holder on the inside with the tag. This stylish bonnet was definitely the most frivolous but beautifully decorated head wear in her hatboxes. Due to condition- Bonnet is Sold "ASIS."
Condition:
I consider this bonnet strong enough for wearing, but I could also see it in a serious collection or museum due to the rarity of the style, colors and materials used. The vibrant raspberry straw is strong and supple, I see some straw "separations" but no breaks. The poppies have some light slight soil sprinkles and a few pinholes. The poppies, bow, silk bunholder and tag are all original, but I believe the pink silk taffeta ties have either been removed and cleaned at some time or replaced altogether. They seem to be era correct, but have 5-10 snags/ and irregularities, a pinhole and a tiny soil mark. The silk bunholder has holes through it from the rough straw, and the tag has some wearing at one side where it came away from the bonnet. (But due to the age mellowing, soiling and colors, it's obvious this bunholder and tag is original to this amazing piece.)
Price is: $585
