Mens smoking cap
Object No. 2008/76/2
Although soberly dressed in dark colours when outside the home, middle class men in the 1800s and early 1900s often favoured brightly coloured smoking jackets and caps when relaxing at home in the evening. This smoking cap is typical, with its luxurious materials and design of leaves and four-leaf clovers worked in gold braid. The cap might well have been home made. At the time, middle class girls were rarely allowed to work outside the home. Making gifts such as slippers, caps, braces and dressing gowns for their fathers and brothers was thought an appropriate use of their time, ensuring they were busy whilst still being removed from the world of commerce and industry. Kimberley Webber February 2008
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Summary
Object Statement
Smoking cap, mens, textile / silk, maker unknown, probably Australia, 1870-1900
Physical Description
Smoking cap, men's, velvet / silk, maker unknown, probably made in Australia, 1870-1900 A close-fitting royal blue/purple velvet cap padded and lined with faded gold silk. The cap is embellished with designs of leaves and four-leaf clovers outlined in gold braid. A gold silk tassel hangs from the centre top. The lining is quilted in diamond patterned machine stitching. The cap is machine sewn.
DIMENSIONS
Height
140 mm
Diameter
200 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
In the 1800s there was a tradition of making smoking caps at home as presents for men in the household. This cap could have been made in this tradition, or it could have been commercially produced.
HISTORY
Notes
The provenance of this cap is unknown.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs K Helsby, 2008
Acquisition Date
14 April 2008
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