This charming tassel is either from Elizabeth I's reign (Tudor) or James I (Stuart). Small knotted tassels are often found at the end of the bandstrings or cords on 17th century men, women and children's collars. This tassel is very small so must have been for a child.
Little knotted linen threads, sewn onto tiny rings made of needleworked linen, which has been felted, then threaded together.* The book below is fantastic and a must if you are interested in early dress.
A knotted linen tassel.
3/4 in; 2 cm.
In very good condition.
* Arnold, Janet Patterns of Fashion 4 p 29 for similar tassels. p 80
Patterns of Fashion 3. 1560-1620. Janet Arnold
Patterns of Fashion 7. The Content, Cut, Construction and Context of 17th century European Menswear Out on 20th November.
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