Parasol met een dek van zwarte zijden Chantillykant op een ondergrond van witte satijn, op een stok van bamboe met een imitatieschildpad knop c. 1875 - 1895

This parasol, with its canopy of black silk Chantilly lace over white satin, and a bamboo handle finished with a faux tortoiseshell knob, speaks volumes about the time in which it was made. Lace making was a laborious process, often done by women working long hours. Chantilly lace was particularly prized for its delicate patterns, a stark contrast with the dark threads against the light fabric, enhancing the visual impact. The bamboo handle, and imitation tortoiseshell knob, evoke a sense of exoticism, reflecting colonial trade and global consumption patterns. This parasol is more than just an accessory; it's a symbol of status, a testament to the skill of anonymous artisans, and a reflection of the complex social and economic forces at play. It challenges us to look beyond the surface of beauty and consider the hands that made it, and the world in which it was created.