I have not seen a sleeveless caracao before. The unusual printed cotton is imitating an 18th century water silk, as is the ribbon effect. The mauve lines on the background appear to imitate water.
The linen check lining is Harlinger Bont from Harlingen, The Netherlands
The square neck and wide shoulder straps with front opening with metal hooks and eyes from top to bottom, the bottom of the bodice squared off, the generous flaring skirt with a central back pleat.
The hand block printed mid mauve ground with paler mauve lines, a ribbon effect caught by roses and blue flowers, the latter pencilled in, all in shades of pink, crimson, pale yellow and blue, lined with shades of brown, green and ochre check linen.
34 in; 86 cm.
Very very good.
Arnolli, Gineka Checks and stripes in Hinterloopen and Harlingen, from exotic textiles to Dutch folklore.
All images and text © meg-andrews.com 2021
