Parasol met dek van groene zijde met ingeweven streep langs de rand, op een ijzeren stok waaraan een houten handgreep c. 1825

This parasol features a canopy of green silk, adorned with woven stripes along its edge, and is mounted on an iron rod with a wooden handle. Silk, of course, has long been a luxury material. The subtle texture and sheen of the fabric lends the parasol a refined elegance, further enhanced by the delicate stripes woven into the border. Creating a textile like this involved the skilled labor of silk production and weaving. Even the iron and wood components required specialized craftspeople. Consider the social context of this object. Parasols were not just functional items but also symbols of status, shielding the privileged from the sun while also showcasing their wealth and taste. The presence of such an object in a museum collection allows us to consider the intricate relationship between materials, labor, and social status. Looking at the parasol, we can appreciate how the convergence of materials, making, and social context enriches our understanding.