20s silk embroidered and fringed robe questions

denisebrain

denisebrain

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Questions like: Is this indeed 1920s as it appears to me?

It really is like a piano shawl crossed with a robe. What is the best word for it? It is lined except for through the shawl/sleeves.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

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Thank you Tish! I wondered about a slightly older date too...there doesn't seem to be anything super comparable out there, but one shawl/robe combination I spotted was a bit similar and was called 1910s. That one had a raised waist decoration, and this one has that lower waist decoration, making me think 1920s.
 
I think its earlier too, but sometimes you get things from 1919-1920 that look prewar, so its hard to tell from pics, but the pale pink colour also suggests an earlier date. maybe even 1913-14
 
I've had similar pieces that were made in the 1920's from Canton or Manila shawls. The fringe, embroidery motifs (these are a little hard to see without a close-up) and construction make me think it may be what you have Maggie, though with the shorter fringe and color it may be a little later than some, say 1905 - 1920? I love the silhouette - looks like a coat to me.
 
Lynne, it does look quite a bit like a coat style. The silks are so light that I assume it must have been intended for indoor use, but I can see the same style being made into an opera coat.

One thing about the piece is that it is definitely through-composed (as is said about music), made from the start to be just what it is and thoroughly designed. For instance, although the cape-like back really looks like a shawl, the roses scatter over onto the front as well. The embroidery is that padded satin stitch. The color is sort of a warm (pinkish) pale beige, the roses are cream and lavender, and the lining is very pale lavender-beige.
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Gayle, a sewing project for you perhaps? :)
 
I like that term - "through-composed." The silk looks like it has the slight crepe texture of the Canton/Manila shawls, and the embroidery like that on later examples of the same. What are the sleeves like? There's something about the way the front just morphs into a cape with no visible sleeves or construction/tailoring devices that reminds me of a shawl or other square/rectangular textile made into a coat. Are the embroidered flowers evenly dispersed? Is that a same-fabric button and loop? I think it's very beautiful, by the way.
 
You're right Lynne, there is a slight crepe twist to the yarns. There is a seam down the center back of the cape section and side seams on the robe section. I believe it is in three pieces, with two side fronts each together with half the cape back. The back of the robe is a separate piece attached at the sides to the front. Under the cape-like back there is one horizontal (waist) seam with several pleats falling from it. The embroidery is more prevalent in back, goes over to the front and then becomes smaller and scarcer until it disappears. The back of the robe (not the cape part) has no embroidery. Those are self-fabric roses and there is a hidden snap.
 
It certainly sounds through-composed. Sorry... I just wanted an excuse to use that. It sounds like you had it right to begin with, but I do think Jonathan's observation about the color has to be considered too as the silhouette doesn't preclude the teens.
 
Well, I'm glad I could offer you a term, Lynne, since you offer quite a bit to me!
 
denisebrain said:
Lynne, it does look quite a bit like a coat style. The silks are so light that I assume it must have been intended for indoor use, but I can see the same style being made into an opera coat.

One thing about the piece is that it is definitely through-composed (as is said about music), made from the start to be just what it is and thoroughly designed. For instance, although the cape-like back really looks like a shawl, the roses scatter over onto the front as well. The embroidery is that padded satin stitch. The color is sort of a warm (pinkish) pale beige, the roses are cream and lavender, and the lining is very pale lavender-beige.
Gayle, a sewing project for you perhaps? :)
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Well you never know Maggie- if ever I find the time perhaps :)
 
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