#1785 $650
Child's cotton print corded bonnet, c.1850
This charming little bonnet is a work of folk art. Innovative textile combinations have been preserved in quilts. That has rarely been the case with everyday children's clothing, which are generally quite perishable. The bonnet maker obviously had an artist's eye as well as fine sewing skills. I am a bit of a connoisseur of sewing technique, as I learned to sew at age six.
Fashioned from polka dot cotton, the bonnet was originally totally lined with aqua silk. I love the contrasting floral print lining of the brim! The red and navy braided fringe adds the finishing touch.
I can imagine a loving mother dipping into her bag of scraps to find just the right piece to complete her composition, just as she would do when making a quilt. The bonnet is hand sewn with perfect little stitches.
This is one of those special pieces that I could not walk away from. The bonnet was found in the Midwest and has no known provenance.
The condition is very good. The silk lining of the hood is missing—you can see the remaining shreds in the detail picture below. The ties are not original to the bonnet; there are two small holes in the brim lining. I was willing to overlook these minor imperfections because the combination of textiles is superb.
The bonnet is 7" from front to back and is 10 1/2" tall including the skirt.
