c.1900s Antique Handmade White 3D Floral Irish Crochet Lace Jacket

Fine examples of Irish crochet lace are always highly sought after and this one is exceptional. The jacket has its own innate weight to it and you can instantly tell that you are wearing something that was meticulously made by hand. The shape of the jacket is created by the lace making process, not cut out of a piece of cloth. In other words, it was shaped as it was made, stitch by stitch, with the end result firmly in mind from the first stitch. This one is very elaborate with a multitude of shapes and designs scattered through the pattern. Much of the workmanship is done with a 3D feel and these differences in height throughout the lace give it a beautiful texture. It is cut fuller through the back, perhaps to leave room for a bustle, or it may even have been a maternity jacket, or a morning coat. These types of pieces, morning coats especially, were often cut looser and meant to be thrown on over a more elaborate morning dress where the outfit was fitted at bust but then flared out down from there. They were pieces that women did not have to wear corsets under and the jacket over top helped to hide this fact. The jacket also has the most remarkable sleeves. Each is cut with a wide flare that mimics the shape through the body and each ends in a longer pointed end. All of the edges follow the pattern of the lace. I have included several detail shots and none can come close to how gorgeous this is in real life. It is truly a work of hand made art. It is an extraordinary piece of fashion history and a testament to the level of textiles from this time period. Excellent condition with a very minor mote below

Unlined and has no closures. There may be a tiny area here and there where the tape has darkened slightly and the very  occasional broken thread, but nothing that is any more than natural patina over the many years since is was made. The loose and easy cut will fit a range of sizes.

It is 51" from the point of one sleeve to the point of the other
Bust: approx to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 29" from neck to longest point of back hem
The hem of the jacket is a full 105" inches from edge to edge

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# S861

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated wil love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.