Rare, unusual and interesting antique costumes and textiles; for museums and collectors looking for that extra special piece, for new and established collectors and for those with a modest budget who want to adorn their person or home.

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French Printed Caracao
1760s

The caraco was a form of short, fitted jacket worn throughout Europe from the mid-18th to c 1800. Originally a working-class bodice but soon became fashionable wear worn with a petticoat. 



This caraco was bought at some stage by a costumier to hire out. The bodice lining is inked Heere, Den Haag, W



Wonderful fabric. There are no shoulder seams, the fabric being taken from front over to the back to include the sleeve shape.


Cataloguing

The fabric hand block printed cotton in madder, aubergine and black and pencilled with indigo, a design of sprays of small flowers and larger leaves



With large neck, bound with the print, front opening with five pairs of tabs, one set pleated, the  bottom set curved,  all with metal hooks and eyes,  three quarter sleeves, shaped with two panels to the lower arm, the wide cuff pleated, the back pleated into a V and then flaring out over the full skirts, side pleating with gores, slits (pocket access) , lined in medium natural linen.



Repeat 9 1/4 in; 24 cm



Shoulder to hem 32 in; 82 cm



Waist 30 in/;77cm



Bust 36 in; 92 cm



 


Condition

The tabs have clearly been resewn at a later date with a sewing machine and green cotton, presumably when the caracao went into the costumier's premises. The back neck area has a little damage at the corners, which someone has tried to repair, not very succesfully. This could be improved.


Comments

Costume in Detail.Nancy Bradfield p 75