A rare early 19th-century ladies’ calash bonnet circa 1810. The calash is made of black silk, which has channels of reed sewn through it, creating a tall, structured arch worn by ladies to protect their hair when travelling in bad weather. The calash was particularly popular during the late 18th century when ladies had high hairstyles, but this example has a rounder shape to the back, which would suggest it dates from the early 19th century, although it could be earlier. This is a particularly nice example; it is in good, strong condition and has the most striking, vibrant yellow silk lining. There is some discolouration to the outer silk; this is to be expected for such an age and given its practicality.
The calash is approximately 17 inches tall.
A rare early 19th-century ladies’ calash bonnet circa 1810. The calash is made of black silk, which has channels of reed sewn through it, creating a tall, structured arch worn by ladies to protect their hair when travelling in bad weather. The calash was particularly popular during the late 18th century when ladies had high hairstyles, but this example has a rounder shape to the back, which would suggest it dates from the early 19th century, although it could be earlier. This is a particularly nice example; it is in good, strong condition and has the most striking, vibrant yellow silk lining. There is some discolouration to the outer silk; this is to be expected for such an age and given its practicality.
The calash is approximately 17 inches tall.
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